George W. Trabing, a 53-year-old White male, met an untimely and tragic end on August 19, 1931, near Seattle, Washington. His death came not at the hands of a criminal, but as a result of a workplace accident while in the line of duty as a Prohibition Agent. The events leading to the fatal incident began when fellow agents F. M. Taylor and H. E. Daggett conducted a raid on a large distillery operating in Kitsap County.
After successfully seizing the still and apprehending several individuals, they called for backup to help process the prisoners and dismantle the illegal operation.
Trabing, along with agents Basil Cunningham, William Miller, and Alfred Sides, arrived on the scene to provide the requested assistance. The team of agents worked for several hours to take apart the distillery equipment. During this laborious process, Agent Cunningham, feeling the weight of his heavy coat, removed it and placed it on a nearby shelf. Tucked within the folds of the coat was his revolver. Later, as the work continued, Agent Trabing picked up Cunningham's coat. The movement caused the firearm to fall to the floor.
The impact of the fall caused the revolver to discharge. A single bullet struck Agent Trabing in the stomach, inflicting a mortal wound. His fellow agents, Cunningham and Miller, acted swiftly, rushing him to the Naval Hospital in Bremerton in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts and the medical attention he received, the severity of the injury was too great. George W. Trabing succumbed to his wound shortly after arriving at the hospital. His death was officially ruled an accident, and as such, there were no arrests made or suspects sought in connection with the tragic incident.
