Chief Deputy Nathan Ralph Murphy

Chief Deputy Nathan Murphy was killed when his cruiser was struck head-on by a vehicle being pursued by other officers.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper had attempted to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation when the suspect driver failed to yield. The trooper requested assistance from the Oregon County Sheriff's Department and Chief Deputy Murphy answered the call.

Following the collision, Chief Deputy Murphy was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately two hours later.

Chief Deputy Murphy had been employed with the Oregon County Sheriff's Department for eight years after serving as chief in another agency.