Investigator Thomas Jay Smith

Investigator Thomas Jay Smith

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, September 17, 1997

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Thomas Jay Smith

Investigator Thomas Smith and Lieutenant George Hendrix were killed when their Bell OH-58A helicopter crashed at Kenneth Copeland Airport.

Lieutenant Hendrix was piloting the aircraft, one of two donated to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office by the United States military.

Witnesses stated that the helicopter had just taken off when it plummeted straight down. Bystanders pulled both deputies from the wreckage and administered CPR but were unable to save them due to intensive spinal, head, and internal injuries.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident

Most Recent Reflection

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Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 17, 2020

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