Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Shelby Blackfox (far right) training with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - On the morning of November 6, 2001 Cherokee Nation Marshal Shelby Blackfox was killed in a motorcycle accident on Highway 10 in Cherokee County. Blackfox widow, Jenny, and two-year-old son Trent live in West Siloam Springs, Okla.

Blackfox grew up in Little Kansas, Okla., and graduated from Little Kansas High School in 1989. Shelby is survived by his siblings and parents, Jay and Carolyn Blackfox, and grandparents Butch and Wanda Blackfox. Jay Blackfox is also a Cherokee Nation Marshal.

Blackfox joined the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service in September of 2000. He had previously worked as a law enforcement officer for the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, the West Siloam Springs Police Department and as a deputy in the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department.

Blackfox fought for the United States in Desert Storm and was an active member of the National Guard, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. Blackfox distinguished himself in the military and in law enforcement, serving the people of the Cherokee Nation and the United States.

"Shelby loved his family, loved his work and he loved the Cherokees", said David Roberts, director of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. "He had a great sense of duty. He was essential to what we are doing here now and critical to our future."

The Cherokee Nation Marshals met early Tuesday afternoon and pledged to support the Blackfox family over the coming weeks and months.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith ordered the flags at all Cherokee Nation offices to be flown at half-staff until Blackfox has been laid to rest.

"The Cherokee Nation grieves with the Blackfox family over Shelby's loss, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come", Smith said.