U.S. Air Force · United States 
Thomas Murray
2001
Thomas Murray served the U.S. Air Force.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Inspector Thomas Murray died after being exposed to toxic fumes in the hold of a Panamanian ship he was inspecting on the Mississippi River at LaPlace, Louisiana.
He and two of the ship's crew members, including the captain, entered the hold for the inspection and were overtaken by fumes. All three died as a result of asphyxiation from the oxidation of scrap iron. Another customs inspector was also exposed to the fumes but was rescued by other crew members.
Inspector Murray was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had been with the Customs Service for 26 years and was assigned to the Gramercy Port of Entry.
He and two of the ship's crew members, including the captain, entered the hold for the inspection and were overtaken by fumes. All three died as a result of asphyxiation from the oxidation of scrap iron. Another customs inspector was also exposed to the fumes but was rescued by other crew members.
Inspector Murray was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had been with the Customs Service for 26 years and was assigned to the Gramercy Port of Entry.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, six children, parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
Also Served
United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service
Inspector
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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