On a summer evening in 1973, the life of Grady Van Wilson, a 22-year-old White / Caucasian male, was cut tragically short. A dedicated patrolman with the Camden Police Department for a year, Wilson was furthering his career by attending a training course at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden. The fatal incident occurred on June 18, 1973, not in the line of duty, but in a moment of unfortunate miscalculation within the supposed safety of his dormitory.
After a day of training, Wilson and his roommate returned to their room and began practicing law enforcement techniques. In a devastating turn of events, his roommate aimed his revolver at Wilson, believing the weapon to be unloaded, and pulled the trigger. The firearm discharged, and a single bullet struck Wilson in the abdomen. He was rushed to Ouachita County Hospital, but the wound proved to be fatal, and he succumbed to his injury.
The death of Patrolman Wilson was classified as an accidental shooting. There is no information available to indicate that his roommate faced any charges or that any arrests were made in connection with the incident. At the time of his untimely death, Grady Van Wilson was survived by his wife.
