He also loved grilling chicken for folks and riding the grandkids on his lawn mower. Love you. But after U.S. Customs agents seized a 56-foot converted mine sweeper carrying 1,500 pounds of marijuana off the Louisiana coast -- and discovered that a machine gun on board belonged to Thornton -- the search intensified. In some extreme cases, the crew members put the plane on automatic pilot, dump the drugs, and bail out, Times John S. Demott wrote in 1985. Andrew Tyler "Drew" Thornton, 19, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on August 27, 2021 at his residence. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Andrew Carter Drew Thornton II I found on Findagrave.com. 0 cemeteries found in Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, USA. Anticipating a nuclear holocaust, he stockpiled paramilitary weapons, freeze-dried foods, gold coins. She is a private investigator in Washington. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Andrew Tyler Thornton to show support. He bailed out of his aircraft and died on impact after his parachute failed to open. In 1981, Bryant was arrested in a hotel in Philadelphia when maids smelled marijuana smoke coming from his room. Strapped to his body was an Army duffel bag containing "two pistols, knives and $4,500 in cash," and close to 80 pounds of cocaine worth at least $15 million.The story of Andrew C. Thornton II was examined in Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice and in Sally Denton's The Bluegrass Conspiracy. He felt smug in his survivability, his elusiveness, his discretion and his insulation. Zairing said that the closer Thornton moved toward a James Bond character, the less she was able to relate to him, to live with the secrecy and danger of his life as a narc. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Try again later. Thornton was arrested as a fugitive in North Carolina, where he had fled to. These real-life events from 1985 were the inspiration behind the .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Elizabeth Banksdirected action-comedy movie Cocaine Bear, which hits theaters today. Brother of Gerald Hazen Thornton; Wanita Mary Schriver; Jacqueline Thornton and Ronald Thornton. Shirley Lou Brown, age 95, of Broomfield, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. "Andrew always made sure I had whatever I needed.". Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. The .38-caliber "wadcutter" bullets didn't penetrate his bulletproof vest. Annette had a tremendous sense of humor with an infectious laugh. Mr. Thornton was born in Plainfield, NJ and lived most of his life in Paris,. Hugs to you all during this difficult time. Unfortunately, theres hardly anything else known about Andrew C. Thornton II from 1981 until 1985 at the time of his death. Mark Thornton Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information - Legacy.com One case among the remaining 23 indictments was dismissed; the other defendants were either convicted or became government witnesses. Bryant had been the best man at Thornton's wedding. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. The irony is lost on him. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. They were paying their last respects to Andrew Carter Thornton II, who had single-handedly summed up the dark side of the American dream, or at least the Kentucky version of it, when he landed on a Knoxville, Tenn., driveway with several million dollars worth of cocaine strapped to his waist and a failed parachute strapped to his back. Thornton's upbringing wasn't typical of a career criminal. He was born in Lebanon, KY to Bertha and Andrew Thornton on December 8th, 1927. Ryan Moore horse jockey. [2] He took night classes at Eastern Kentucky University and graduated with a degree in law enforcement in 1971. All of my condolences go out to his family. Thornton, Andrew Charles Milan, MI Infant son of Angie and Ron Thornton passed on Tuesday, October 14th. Search above to list available cemeteries. He was 40 when he died. His body was found laying next to his reserve parachute with his main parachute unopened. Within days of his arrest, several federal agencies joined the investigation, and a few months later 25 individuals were indicted in Fresno, Calif., and charged with conspiracy to import and distribute marijuana and to steal government property from the China Lake Naval Base. Select boxes below to reduce the number of results. She graduated from Rizal High School (Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines) and Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA). "He loved me," she says, "but he resented having a wife." He was born June 11, 2002 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The bluegrass hills were vibrant under the strong September sun as hundreds made their way past the Bourbon County gravesite. Harold Slone, a Lexington attorney who recently pleaded guilty to federal income tax violations and mail fraud -- an old friend and law partner of Thornton's -- was there. Banks told USA Today she was forced to omit aspects of Thorntons life that were too wild even for this movie. Nevertheless, the character is so outrageous that when star Keri Russell first brought the script home, her husband and fellow actor Matthew Rhys read it and immediately said, Text [Elizabeth] Banks and tell her I want to play that guy.. "He went onto the police force so he could do battle. You will never be forgotten. After his time in the Army, Thornton became a police officer in Lexington, Kentucky, and joinedagain, somewhat ironicallythe narcotics squad in the 1970s, working on investigations with the local arm of the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to The Washington Post. He was as flamboyant in his life as he was in his death.". He grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, where he attended the prestigious Sayre School. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. [1] Thornton left California after pleading not guilty and was arrested as a fugitive in North Carolina, wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a pistol. Try again later. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. June 11, 2002 - Rosemary Thornton Obituary (1924 - 2022) - Dallas, TX Annette was a devoted mother and wife full of unconditional love and loyalty. He was predeceased by : his grandfather Roger Thornton; and his aunt Rebecca Stone (Thornton). Drew Thornton's Last Adventure - The Washington Post Some time later, in Georgia, a black bear started chowing down on more than 70 pounds container of cocaine that had also fallen from Thorntons airplane. A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, May 1st,. A secretary for Threave Main Stud said Thornton's parents are "burned out on talking to the press" and had nothing more to add. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Brown family. Managed by: In 1977, he resigned from the police force and began practicing law in Lexington. Sally Ann Denton, a former TV and wire service reporter, covered part of the Thornton story in Kentucky. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. After his apprehension, U.S. marshals transported Thornton to Fresno for his arraignment, where he posted $75,000 in cash and a $1 million personal surety bond, secured by his interest in three racehorses. Mary moved to Dallas, Texas in 1965 to become a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines. As soon as I woke up or got home I would be messaging him about playing games. She was a university coed, a beauty from Shelby County. Failed to report flower. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. The bear, for example, simply died of an overdose in real life and did not go on a bloody, murderous rampage as in the film. A visitation for Carmen will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Olinger Patricia Aka Reynoso Mejia, Petra Reynoso, age 79, of Thornton, Colorado passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Cocaine overdose. Andrew Tyler Drew Thornton, 19, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on August 27, 2021 at his residence. He will forever be missed. He was wearing night vision goggles, a bulletproof vest, and Gucci loafers. The story also inspired the film Cocaine Bear, released in February 2023. [2], After quitting the army, Thornton joined the LexingtonFayette Urban County Police Department in 1968. He attended a prestigious private school in his youth and joined a military academy to become a paratrooper, as reported by The Liberator. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. She was born February 15, 1935 to Mary Meehl Thornton and William Littleton Thornton, Sr. Born, January 14, 1937, in Sampson County, he was a son of the late Ivy Edmond Thornton and Anniebelle Jackson Thornton. "They shared the same mentality, the same paranoia. Let the family know you are thinking of them. We are sad to announce that on August 27, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Andrew Tyler Thornton (Virginia Beach, Virginia), born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Andrew Tyler "Drew" Thornton - Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory Oops, something didn't work. 1801 Baltic Avenue Virginia Beach, VA ANDREW THORNTON OBITUARY Andrew Thornton's passing has been publicly announced by Altmeyer Funeral Home - Maestas Chapel in Virginia Beach, VA. Legacy. Prichard and Thornton were fellow acolytes at St. Peter's Episcopal church and car-pooled to Sayre School. But there are some who feel it was the most appropriate way for him to go. Beautiful service. During his time with the police, Thornton took night classes at the University of Kentucky College of Law, earning a law degree in 1976. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Valdez Sr. family. Andrew is also survived by his grandparents, Debbie and Bill Frick, Mark Mohler, Pam and Jim Orr, Bob Thornton and Lydia Santili; great-grandparents, Xen and Janet Lemmon; aunt, Charlotte Paisley; and his uncles, Adam Mohler and Justin Thornton. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Please try again later. [7], Three months later, a dead black bear, later known as the Cocaine Bear, that had apparently overdosed on cocaine dropped by Thornton, was found in the Chattahoochee National Forest.[8]. While awaiting trial in 1982 on his criminal charges, Thornton was shot twice in the chest at close range while leaving a restaurant in Lexington. He was charged with piloting into the Lexington. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Andrew Carter Thornton (1917-2010) - Find a Grave Memorial They Lived their 57 year marriage until his passing in 2016. of cocaine valued at $15 million, $4,500 in cash, six 1oz (28g) gold Krugerrands, knives, and two pistols. . The latitude of Saint-Martin-d'Hres, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is 45.167198, and the longitude is 5.765300.Saint-Martin-d'Hres, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is located at France country in the Towns place category with the gps coordinates of 45 10' 1.9128'' N and 5 45' 55.0800'' E. He worked for his father, training racehorses, before joining the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department in 1968. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Andrew Carter Thornton II was born on October 30, 1944, in Bourbon County, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Pine Level P.H. Colin McEvoy joined the Biography.com staff in 2023, and before that had spent 16 years as a journalist, writer, and communications professional. Thornton apparently got caught in his parachute and began to freefall. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Graham Cynthia Ruth Atencio, age 67, of Denver, Colorado passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023. It would take some time before authorities could piece together exactly what happened, but in its account of Thorntons dramatic death, Time magazine noted that drug smugglers were increasingly resorting to desperate measures to evade radar technology from federal authorities. She was born February 15, 1935 to Mary Meehl Thornton and William Littleton Thornton, Sr. She attended Cathedral of St. Paul Elementary School, John Carroll High School and graduated from The University of Alabama where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. His body was found by 85-year-old Fred Myers, in the gravel driveway of Myers's home in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was also preceded in death by his only son Donald Andrew "Andy" Thornton II and step-son Roger Douglas . Thats right. Kathleen Diane Rosa, age 67, of Thornton, Colorado passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023. According to friends, he died a millionaire. Thornton, CO Obituaries Online | Find Thornton Obituaries Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. As a policeman, Thornton would meet "with Mafia hit men from Detroit who had contracts on him," she said. Soon after graduation, Annette and John Franklin Anderson (Jack) married. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. One DEA agent who previously worked with Thornton called him a 007 paramilitary type personality, according to The Washington Post, while an FBI agent described him as a little boy who never grew up., He believed he was an impeccable warrior, Betty Zairing, Thorntons ex-wife, told The Washington Post in 1985. Betty Zairing says Thornton thought of himself as a purist, an innocent. Andrew Carter Thornton II (October 30, 1944 September 11, 1985) was an American narcotics officer and lawyer who became the head member of "The Company", a drug smuggling ring in Kentucky. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? September 11th: The Life & Death of Andrew C. Thornton II | by Sara Reynolds | Medium 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. Father of Michael Thornton and the. "He was a trained warrior -- a very efficient killer trained by the U.S. government," she says. The story of Thornton was examined in Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice and in Sally Denton's The Bluegrass Conspiracy. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Drew was a lifeguard, pharmacy tech student, pro-level gamer, volleyball player, and talented pool player. "As a policeman, Andrew could walk the edge only so long before it became routine. He told her he was of a hero consciousness, that at another time in history he would have been a Genghis Khan, a ninja or a samurai, a valorous paragon of battle. Andrew Thornton II was born in 1945 in Lexington, Kentucky, to horse breeders Carter and Peggy. GREAT NEWS! He then joined the ROTC and attended the University of Kentucky for a semester before dropping out to join the Army. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He is preceded The plane crashes when it runs out of fuel., Thats not exactly how it goes down in Cocaine Bear, though. RICHARD THORNTON OBITUARY Thornton, Richard "Kevin" Kalamazoo Passed away Thursday April 19, 2018 at his home. Im glad his parachute didnt open, Brian Leighton, an assistant U.S. attorney who once prosecuted Thornton, told The Los Angeles Times in 1985. Thornton pleaded not guilty to the charges, then proceeded to flee the state. Dec 19, 1953 - Oct 15, 2019. She is survived by brother Patrick Anthony Thornton (Ann), her daughter Kathryn Gaynor Anderson Porter, her son Edward Thornton Anderson (Blair) and her daughter Virginia Littleton Anderson Stone (Tim) She is also survived by her five cherished grandchildren; Mary Winslow Anderson, Edward Thornton Anderson, Jr., Anderson Ellis Stone, Grace Littleton Stone and step grandson Ian Patrick Stone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ludie Litz Scholarship Fund. Andrew Tyler Thornton Obituary We are sad to announce that on August 27, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Andrew Tyler Thornton (Virginia Beach, Virginia), born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her varied work experience included stints at Amoco, Bath Iron Works, Energy Industries, Inc. and KEDT. You can always change this later in your Account settings. He flaunted his soldier-of-fortune ideology, his professional connections, his sky-diving exploits, his macho command of weaponry and spy gadgetry. The affiliation between Thornton and the DEA intrigues cops who try to understand Thornton's shift from narc to drug smuggler. I hope he got a hell of a high out of that [cocaine].. Please reset your password. [11] Thornton is played by Matthew Rhys. Plant Memorial Trees Opens send flowers url in a new window Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Atencio family. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Delma Ray Thornton, and Bernice Thornton; sisters, Faye Pope, and Edith Britt. MINMAXMEDICAL Company Profile - Dun & Bradstreet The email does not appear to be a valid email address. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. August 27, 2021 He was unharmed thanks to a bulletproof vest, and authorities later determined Thornton staged the shooting himself to fool the judge into believing his life would be in danger if he were imprisoned, according to The Washington Post. They were lifelong friends; they traveled in the same social circles and attended the Sewanee Military Academy together. Richard Thornton Obituary (1962 - 2018) - Kalamazoo, MI - Legacy.com There was an error deleting this problem. Get directions to Avenue Benot Frachon, 107 and view details like the building's postal code, description, photos, and reviews on each business in the building A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on May 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. He is also an avid film buff, reader, and lover of great stories. Thornton was educated at Sayre in Lexington, a private elementary school, and attended Sewanee Military Academy, a prestigious Tennessee institution. I know youre all beautiful people. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. In Bryant's possession at the time of his arrest was a cache of semiautomatic weapons, disguises, more than 10 fraudulent Kentucky driver's licenses and $22,000 in cash. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Roger Thornton and paternal aunt, Rebecca Stone (Thornton). For me Drew was my favorite person to spend my time with online. What wonderful stories each shared of Drews talents, kindness and life during the service. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Andrew Thornton (63367160)? Thornton was one of nine Kentucky men named in that indictment, which was handed down amid hints that a larger drug-smuggling conspiracy existed. This browser does not support getting your location. Try again later. Thornton's life began to take several directions. In 1977 Bryant formed a private security company called Executive Protection Ltd. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. [1] He pled no contest in Fresno to a misdemeanor drug charge and the felony charges were dropped. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. His death also served as the inspiration for the story arc of season four of FX Network's Justified.
