Charles Mortimer Kurtz, a 33-year-old white male, tragically died on September 3, 1907, in Port Orange, Florida. He was serving as a Deputy Sheriff for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office at the time of his death. The incident occurred while he was transporting a prisoner from New Smyrna Beach to Daytona Beach. The prisoner was being moved due to concerns that a lynch mob might attempt to kill him. During the transport, they encountered a damaged bridge at Spruce Creek in Port Orange.
As Deputy Kurtz bent down to replace a missing plank, his firearm accidentally discharged, fatally wounding him.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations directly related to the death of Charles Mortimer Kurtz, as the incident was determined to be an accidental discharge of his own weapon. The primary focus of the investigation was on the circumstances leading to the accidental shooting. Deputy Kurtz's death was a significant loss to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, which had already experienced the deaths of his brother, Sheriff Jefferson Kurtz, and his nephew, Deputy William Kremer, both of whom were also killed in the line of duty.
The community and law enforcement agencies mourned the loss of Deputy Kurtz, recognizing his dedication and service. His death highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, particularly during that era, and underscored the importance of safety measures and protocols to prevent such tragic accidents.
