Sheriff Dale E. Nelson, Beaver County Sheriff's Office, Utah

Sheriff Dale E. Nelson

Beaver County Sheriff's Office, Utah

End of Watch Monday, September 8, 1980

Dale E. Nelson

Sheriff Dale Nelson died after being exposed to lethal doses of methane while attempting to rescue a father and son who had also become overtaken by the methane gas in a concrete manure pit on Roberts Dairy Farm along State Route 12.

All three men fell face first into the manure and drowned. Another man who entered the pit with Sheriff Nelson was also overcome by the fumes but was rescued after falling with his face up.

Sheriff Nelson was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Beaver County Sheriff's Office for 14 years and was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 14 years
Badge 1V1
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Exposure to toxins

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

I was on the Rescue Truck when Uncle Dale passed. What a shock when I found out it was him in the pit. I grew up fishing, hunting and camping with him and his family. He is missed very much. I know he was great to have given his life for his fellow man. Missing him.

Darrel Davis, Maint Supv.
Beaver Couny Sheriff/ Corrections

May 27, 2015