Wasco tribal chief dies

Flags flew at half staff for three days throughout Jefferson County in honor of the passing of Wasco Tribal Chief Alfred Smith Jr. Monday, Sept. 26.

 PMG Photo: Pat Kruis

Alfred "JR" Smith, chief of the Wasco tribe of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, died Monday, Sept. 26. He was 82. Flags flew at half staff for three days throughout Jefferson County to commemorate his passing.

Smith, of Warm Springs, was sworn in as Wasco chief on Nov. 4, 2012. Smith's son, Jonathan, says although his father's health had been declining since a bout of pneumonia a few years ago, his death was sudden and unexpected.