U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
James Slater
2003
James Joseph Slater served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff James Slater was killed in an automobile crash while en route to back up a fellow officer who was following a stolen vehicle at 2:27 a.m.
A citizen called 911 and reported a patrol vehicle in the ditch and the deputy unconscious on Sout Grove Road. It is believed that Deputy Slater started sliding on a corner and overcorrected, causing him to hit a utility pole that flipped the patrol car four times.
Deputy Slater was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Deputy Slater was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department for 2.5 years.
A citizen called 911 and reported a patrol vehicle in the ditch and the deputy unconscious on Sout Grove Road. It is believed that Deputy Slater started sliding on a corner and overcorrected, causing him to hit a utility pole that flipped the patrol car four times.
Deputy Slater was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Deputy Slater was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department for 2.5 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Spokane County Sheriff's Department
Deputy 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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