U.S. Coast Guard · United States 
Nelson Tillett
1963
Nelson Avery Tillett served the U.S. Coast Guard.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Assistant Chief Nelson Tillett was struck and killed by the city dump truck.
He had stopped behind the dump truck, which was on the side of the highway, and had just gotten out of his vehicle when the dump truck began to reverse. The driver of the truck was not aware that Assistant Chief Tillett had stopped behind him. As he backed up, Chief Tillett was crushed between the truck and his patrol car.
He was pronounced dead after an ambulance transported him to the home of a nearby doctor.
Assistant Chief Tillett was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department for three years.
He had stopped behind the dump truck, which was on the side of the highway, and had just gotten out of his vehicle when the dump truck began to reverse. The driver of the truck was not aware that Assistant Chief Tillett had stopped behind him. As he backed up, Chief Tillett was crushed between the truck and his patrol car.
He was pronounced dead after an ambulance transported him to the home of a nearby doctor.
Assistant Chief Tillett was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three siblings.
Service Record
U.S. Coast Guard
Also Served
Kill Devil Hills Police Department
Assistant Chief
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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