Constable Joseph Russell
Royal Northwest Mounted Police
Federal
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 5, 1905

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 4152

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Exposure
Date of Incident: Wednesday, July 5, 1905
Incident Location: Northwest Territories
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Constable Russell was in a canoe with fellow officer Constable Andrew Stothert and for an unknown reason stood up. He lost his balance and fell into the water. In an attempt to get back into the canoe he tipped it over sending Constable Stothert into the cold water as well.

Neither of the men were strong swimmers. Constable Stothert made it to shore and went for assistance. The body of Constable Russell was recovered 3 hours later.

A report sent to headquarters claimed the most probable cause of death was heart failure from shock of the cold water.