U.S. Army David Clabaugh
1979
David L. Clabaugh. David also served in the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Sheriff David Clabaugh was killed near Murvaul when he walked into the rotors of a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter during a manhunt for a murder suspect. The helicopter had landed on FM 1971 to pickup Sheriff Clabaugh. As he approached the helicopter from the rear he walked too close to the rear rotor blade and was sucked into it. He suffered fatal injuries as a result. The fugitive was later captured and sentenced to prison. Sheriff Clabaugh was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.
Service Record
1945 – 1946
U.S. Army
Also Served
Panola County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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