May 30, 2007
Glen
Rose, Texas - Texas Game Warden Teyran "Ty" Patterson, 28, died in
the line of duty today during a search-and-rescue operation on the
Paluxy River near here. Patterson apparently drowned after his boat
capsized in floodwaters.
Patterson and his partner, Game Warden Danny Tuggle, were attempting
to recover the body of a 16-year-old suspected drowning victim when
the accident occurred. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law
enforcement officials are investigating. No additional details about
the incident are available.
Tuggle, a 25-year veteran game warden, suffered near-drowning
injuries and has been airlifted to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort
Worth.
Patterson was the second Texas game warden killed in the line of duty
in less than three months. Game Warden Justin Hurst was shot and
killed on March 17 during an exchange of gunfire between law
enforcement officers and a suspected poacher.
Since 1919, 17 Texas game wardens have lost their lives in the line
of duty, five by drowning.
Patterson was a graduate of the 51st Texas Game Warden Academy in
2005 and had been stationed in Johnson County. He is survived by his
parents, Viann and Joe Patterson of Seguin, Texas.
"Ty died doing what he loved. He died serving a Texas family dealing
with its own tragic loss," said Col. Pete Flores, TPWD Law
Enforcement Division director. "We are going to miss this courageous
young game warden, and our hearts and prayers go out to his parents
and loved ones."
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