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Incident
Detective Jimmy Avant, Investigator Kevin Brosch of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and Trooper Charles Bassing of the Arkansas State Police were killed in a helicopter crash at 1 pm. The three officers were being trained by DEA agents as spotters for a marijuana eradication program. The aircraft was taking off from the Mt. Ida Municipal Airport when it experienced a mechanical failure and crashed into the ground. The helicopter, which had just been refueled, burst into flames. All three officers were burned to death as a result. Detective Avant had been employed with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office for one year.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three 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
You barely got started.
Detective Avant gave the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Little Rock community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Avant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 92 officers lost to accidents in AR, 24.7% of the 372 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1986, 4 officers in AR were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 55 years on record. The heaviest was 1998, with 7.
In 1986, 82 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1986, 93 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 37. Of the 87 lost to accidents in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50.5; the middle age was 39. James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 37. 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. James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 37. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Thursdays: 20.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 24.7% of all 372 deaths in AR, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Pulaski County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
