Sheriff Buford Pusser, known for his fight against crime and corruption in McNairy County, Tennessee, was seriously injured in an ambush on August 12, 1967, which led to the death of his wife, Pauline. He survived the attack but continued to face threats and survived several assassination attempts. Pusser died in a car crash on August 21, 1974, under circumstances that have led to speculation about whether it was an accident or a hit.
Buford Pusser became a symbol of law enforcement tenacity in the American South during the 1960s. Born on December 12, 1937, in Finger, Tennessee, he was elected sheriff of McNairy County in 1964 and quickly gained fame for his aggressive actions against illegal gambling and moonshine operations, often wielding a large wooden stick, which became his trademark.
His notoriety increased after the ambush on New Hope Road in 1967, where his wife was killed, and he was left for dead. The attack was believed to be in retaliation for his crackdown on local criminal activities, particularly those of the State Line Mob, a notorious criminal organization operating in the area.
Despite suffering severe injuries, Pusser continued his campaign against crime, which was both celebrated and criticized. His story inspired the “Walking Tall” series of movies, which further cemented his legend as a tough, no-nonsense lawman.
The circumstances of his death in a single-car accident at the age of 36 have been the subject of much debate. Some believe it was an accident caused by Pusser driving at high speeds on a familiar road, possibly under the influence of alcohol, while others speculate that his car may have been tampered with, given his many enemies.
Pusser’s legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a hero who took a stand against crime, while others criticize his methods and the violence associated with his tenure as sheriff. Regardless of the perspective, his life and death have left an indelible mark on the history of law enforcement in the United States.