United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, April 26, 1958
Add to My HeroesJames Donald Vaughn
Park Ranger James Vaughn was killed in a vehicle crash on Highway 99 (modern day I-5), approximately 12 miles north of Castaic, California, in Los Angeles County.
He was on official travel returning from the Yosemite Training School to his assignment at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona when another vehicle crossed the center line and struck his car head-on. Ranger Vaughn and two juveniles in the other vehicle were killed in the collision. Ranger Vaughn's wife, who was traveling with him, was injured.
Ranger Vaughn had served with the National Park Service for four years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
- Location California
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsRest in Peace, Ranger!
Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI
June 23, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

