Special Agent Robert Russell Hardesty

Special Agent Robert Russell Hardesty

United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, June 2, 2005

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Robert Russell Hardesty

Special Agent Robert Hardesty succumbed to injuries suffered eight days earlier during a training exercise at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Agent Hardesty fell 20 feet off an airplane wing during an FBI SWAT team training exercise while he was practicing aircraft entry techniques. He was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, where he remained until he died from complications as a result of being paralyzed in the fall.

Agent Hardesty had served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for three years and was assigned to a resident agency in Bloomington, Illinois. He had previously served with the Indiana State Excise Police for six years and the Porter County, Indiana, Sheriff's Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sisters.

On December 15, 2005, the Robert R. Hardesty FBI Headquarters Building was dedicated at the Springfield, Illinois, field office in his honor.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Fall
Location Virginia
Incident Date Wednesday, May 25, 2005

swat, training

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Most Recent Reflection

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To the Hardesty Family - At the FBI, we receive reminders to remember our fallen. Each year, when I receive that email remembering Rob, I think of you all. Truth be told, I don't need that email as a reminder. I think of you more often than just at that time. I remember the day of the accident and the days that followed. I remember spending time with the girls, trying to get them out of the hospital for a little while. I remember wanting to help as much as I could to ease the pain you all were feeling. This many years later, I want you to know that you have a place in my heart and that I think of you and pray for you all many more days than just the anniversary of the accident. I didn't know Rob personally but being part of the same organization meant that we were bound by ties unseen by most. His family is our family. You are our family and I wanted you to know that you are thought of often.

Anonymous
FBI HRT

May 31, 2024