Deputy Sheriff Ted Duke Horton

Ted Duke Horton

Deputy Sheriff Ted Horton was killed in a helicopter crash while he and another deputy conducted a narcotics search over a wooded area near Louisburg.

The Hughes 269A helicopter experienced mechanical problems shortly after taking off from a field near the sheriff's office. The pilot attempted to make an emergency landing in a clearing but the main rotor blades struck pine trees on the edge of the clearing. The helicopter fell 30-feet and landed on its left side. Deputy Horton, who was an observer during the flight, was killed. The pilot suffered non-fatal injuries.

Deputy Horton is survived by his wife and mother.