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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Branson succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier when he was thrown from a horse-drawn buggy.
He and another deputy were transporting a prisoner from Adair to the jail in Pryor Creek. During the ride, about one mile north of Prior Creek, the horse was spooked and bolted. Both deputies were thrown from the buggy, and Deputy Branson sustained a serious head injury.
The prisoner hailed another buggy and transported both deputies to Prior Creek for medical attention and turned himself in to the Prior Creek Chief of Police.
The other deputy survived his injuries. Deputy Branson remained unconscious until his death two days later.
Deputy Branson had just been appointed as a deputy of the Mayes County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two 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.
Deputy Sheriff Branson served with the Mayes County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pryor community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Branson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Mayes County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1911, 2 officers in OK were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 1911, 29 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 115th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1911, 42 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 114th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 49. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38.
John was 49. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
John was 49. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.3%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Mayes County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Mayes County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mayes County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
