KSP investigating death of Fish & Wildlife recruit in Barren County

GLASGOW, Ky. – Kentucky State Police Post 3 is conducting a death investigation in Barren County.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife requested Kentucky State Police to investigate an agency-involved training incident on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred at the KDFWR Game Warden Academy in Barren County at approximately 1:13 p.m.

KSP says that during a training activity, KDFWR Game Warden Recruit William Bailey, 24, of Richmond, experienced a medical emergency. KDFWR officers rendered aid before EMS arrived. Bailey was transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow for treatment. He was later pronounced dead.

KSP says the investigation is ongoing and is subject to change as witness interviews and fact-gathering continue.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources released the following statement on Friday, Nov. 1:

“With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of Game Warden Recruit William Bailey.”

“William passed away earlier today after experiencing an apparent medical emergency during training activities in Barren County. Born in Alabama, he later made his home in Richmond, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and also played for the Colonels football team.

“We ask that you please keep William, his family, friends, fellow recruits and all members of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Law Enforcement Division in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Though William was with our agency for only a short time, he will be deeply missed and will always remain a part of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife family.”

Details of the investigation will be released after the investigation concludes.

The Kentucky State Police has statewide jurisdiction and investigates critical incidents across the Commonwealth.