U.S. Air Force · United States 
Robert Lee Pruitt
1981
Robert L. Pruitt served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Robert served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Trooper Robert Pruitt, Corporal Cleo Tomlinson, and Trooper Merle Cook were killed in an airplane accident while searching for two breaking and entering suspects in St. John's County. The suspects were charged with three counts of homicide in connection with the deaths of all three troopers. The primary burglary suspect was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released only to be sentenced to 6 years for cocaine sale in October of 2010 and he currently resides in the Florida State Prison System. Trooper Pruitt had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1963 – 1967
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Florida Highway Patrol
Trooper
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpp83e5t110qm53tz3cw
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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