St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Sunday, March 9, 2003
Add to My HeroesJames Williams Branson, Jr.
Police Officer James Branson died of an injury he received when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle.
He and his partner spotted a vehicle that had been taken a few hours earlier in a carjacking. When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit began. During the pursuit, the officer's police cruiser collided with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection of North Market Street and North Jefferson Avenue.
Officer Branson was treated for a broken ankle and had surgery on the ankle on February 14th, 2003, and was sent home to recover. On March 9th, 2003, he suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism caused by a massive blood clot that traveled from his ankle to his heart and lungs.
Officer Branson had served with the St. Louis Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 4 years, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Incident Date Tuesday, February 11, 2003
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Escaped
Most Recent Reflection
View all 111 ReflectionsOfficer Branson,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
March 9, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, ND
EOW: December 6, 2023

Police Officer Paul Tracey
Waltham Police Department, MA
EOW: December 6, 2023

Trooper Alberto Felix
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Abbate
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023

Sergeant Jon Arden Jenson
Fort Worth Police Department, TX
EOW: October 28, 2023