Prev
Incident
Deputy Adam Smith was shot and killed while investigating illegal liquor sales and related violations on Jones Fork.
After being shot, Deputy Smith was taken to Beaver Valley Hospital, where he died the following night.
Five men and one woman were arrested and held in connection with Deputy Smith's murder.
Deputy Smith was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Deputy Smith was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq3xyzy0y7a4gn45bfx2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Adam. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Smith served with the Knott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hindman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Knott County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Adam is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Adam is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Adam is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1935, 1 officer at Knott County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1935, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Adam was 46. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Knott County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 32.8; the middle age was 31.
Adam was 46. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Adam was 46. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Adam was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 28.6% of these deaths at Knott County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 42.9%. Thursdays: 28.6%.
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 77.8% of all 9 deaths at Knott County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Knott County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, Adam among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Knott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
