Sheriff Frank Bedford McFarlane

Frank Bedford McFarlane

Sheriff Frank McFarlane and Undersheriff Edward Goodfellow were killed in an automobile crash while transporting two prisoners on Warm Springs Road east of Thermopolis.

The officers had just arrested a father and son for stealing Army blankets. As Undersheriff Goodfellow attempted to shift into reverse, his foot slipped off the clutch, causing the vehicle to lurch forward and drive off a 100-foot cliff into a creek.

Sheriff McFarlane died instantly, and Undersheriff Goodfellow succumbed to his injuries the next day. One of the suspects was also killed.

Sheriff McFarlane had served as the sheriff of Hot Springs County Sheriff's Office for three years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.