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Incident
Chief Deputy Daniels succumbed to wounds received two days earlier after being dragged and thrown from a car while investigating possible transportation of illegal moonshine near the Plumtree community. Chief Deputy Daniels, who was not in uniform at the time, noticed the speeding vehicle and, because he had two prisoners in the back of this police car, borrowed a pickup truck from a friend. He was able to catch the speeding vehicle and stop it.
As Chief Deputy Daniels stepped onto the running board of a suspicious car the driver grabbed him and held him in the window as he sped away. As the driver surpassed 50 mph he pushed Chief Deputy Daniels from the car and his body struck a tree, causing fatal injuries. The suspect was brought to trial in connection with Deputy Daniels' death but the trial ended with a deadlocked jury. The man was not retried for the incident.
At the time his death, Chief Deputy Daniels had just returned to duty after recovering from a previous incident under almost identical circumstances.
Chief Deputy Daniels had served with the agency for 9 years and was survived by his wife and children.
Survivors
Chief Deputy Daniels had served with the agency for 9 years and was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Daniels gave the Avery County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Sheriff Daniels.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Avery County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Max is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Max is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Max is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1949, 1 officer at Avery County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1949, 1 officer in NC was killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Max was 45. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Avery County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 49; the middle age was 48. Max had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Max was 45. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Max had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Max was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Max had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Max was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Max had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 20% of these deaths at Avery County Sheriff's Office; April holds the most, 40%. Mondays: 40%.
May holds 11.4% of these deaths in NC, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Avery County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Avery County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Max among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Avery County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
