13th anniversary noted of the passing of Watauga County Deputy William Mast Jr, killed in the line of duty

Last Updated on July 25, 2025 8:28 pm

It's been 13 years since the untimely passing of Watauga County Deputy William Mast Jr. He was just 23 years old when killed while responding to a call in Deep Gap during the early morning hours of July 26, 2012.

Shortly after Deputy Mast's passing, his son was born just 17 days later. There has been a bridge dedication, his name added to the Fallen Officers Memorial, an annual memorial foot race, and an annual memorial motorcycle ride established.

At that time, Deputy Mast became only the second officer of the Watauga County Sheriff's Department killed in the line of duty since 1952, and only the third officer to pass away while actively serving. Sadly, in 2021 alone, two Watauga County deputies were killed during a welfare check on April 28, Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox.