Beshear orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Kentucky Game Warden

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(Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Capitol Annex Photography Team)

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office building be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, Nov. 8 to honor a game warden recruit who died during training activities Nov. 1.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Game Warden William “Tex” Bailey, 24, of Richmond suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise in Barren County.

He was transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow, where he was pronounced dead.

“I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Game Warden Tex Bailey,” Beshear said. “Britainy and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones, as well as the entire Department of Fish and Wildlife.”

Bailey is originally from Alabama and attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and played football, officials say.

After an extensive interview process, he began to train to become a game warden with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division on Oct. 14.

A memorial service will be held in Huntsville, Alabama, Friday at Madison Academy, a private, co-educational school that Bailey attended.

All individuals are encouraged to take part in the tribute.