On March 14, 1942, Trooper John D. Williams died from injuries sustained in the line of duty.

During August of 1940, Trooper Williams received injuries that subsequently led to his disability and later his death while en route to assist flood victims in the city of Crowley. State Police sent twenty-five or thirty troopers to Crowley. They were being transported in a van with some of the men standing and some sitting. It is believed that Trooper Williams was sitting at the time of this incident. The van made a sudden stop causing the troopers that were standing to be thrown forward, with some landing on top of Trooper Williams. It is believed that Trooper Williams sustained back injuries from the incident. Trooper Williams was in and out of hospitals due to his back injury until his death in March of 1942.

At the time of his death, Trooper John D. Williams had been a Trooper for five years, seven months and sixteen days. He was survived by his wife and four children.