Montana Department of Corrections - State Prison, Montana
End of Watch: Saturday, January 22, 1938
Age: 58
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: January 22, 1938
Weapon Used: Officer's rifle
Suspect Info: Not available
Guard Frank Russell was accidentally shot and killed at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.
On the morning of January 22nd, 1938, Guard Russell was proceeding to his duty station while transporting two rifles and a bag carrying ammunition and a .45 caliber Colt revolver. The hammer of the revolver was positioned on a live round, instead of on an empty chamber.
As Guard Russell entered tower number 4 (his duty station) he dropped the bag on the floor. When the bag hit the ground the Colt fired and the bullet struck Guard Russell in the head. He died approximately 15 minutes later.
Guard Russell was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.