Sergeant Willis Hugh Purdy

Sergeant Willis Hugh Purdy | Colorado State Patrol, Colorado
Colorado State Patrol, Colorado
Sergeant Willis Hugh Purdy

Colorado State Patrol, Colorado

End of Watch Saturday, July 31, 1976

Add to My Heroes

Willis Hugh Purdy

Sergeant Hugh Purdy and Officer Michael Conley, of the Estes Park Police Department, drowned while assisting victims of the Big Thompson Flood.

Sergeant Purdy had been stopping traffic from entering a flooded area when when his vehicle was swept away by flood waters near Drake, Colorado.

Sergeant Purdy had served with the Colorado State Patrol for 26 years.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 26 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Drowned

natural disaster

LODD Mapping FAQs

Related LODD Deaths

Most Recent Reflection

View all 29 Reflections

Trooper Purdy,
I never met you. I never served. I don't know anyone who was impacted by the flood.
Yet, your self-less love for your fellow humans touches me so very deeply. I think of your heroism every time I drive the canyon. I will never forget you.
Thank you and God bless you.
George Forster
Ft. Collins, CO

George Forster

July 29, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths