United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, October 26, 1918
Add to My HeroesJohn Fraser Pugh
District Collector John Pugh was killed when the steamship Princess Sophia sank after grounding on Vanderbilt Reef, in Lynn Canal between Skagway, Alaska and Juneau, Alaska.
He had traveled to Skagway on official business to assist with the annual winter exodus of workers from the Yukon. The steamship had blown approximately one mile off course during the trip and became grounded on the reef during a severe snowstorm on October 23rd, 1918. Due to the strong storm and its location, other ships were unable to get close enough to provide assistance. At some point overnight between October 25th and October 26th, the ship's boiler exploded and the ship sank.
All 353 passengers and crew died as a result.
District Collector Pugh had served with the United States Customs Service for 16 years and served as the District Collector for Juneau. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 16 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Boating accident
- Location Alaska
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsDistrict Collector Pugh,
On today, the 101st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Service.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 26, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Master Police Officer Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021

Officer Troy Allen Adkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: December 31, 2020

Unit Team Supervisor Gabe Morales
Kansas Department of Corrections, KS
EOW: December 22, 2020

Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner
Denver City Police Department, TX
EOW: January 7, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash
Effingham County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 16, 2020

Sergeant Randall Sims
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: January 3, 2021