Exactly 52 CIA employees and contractors have died in the line of duty over the last 30 years, based on historical updates to the agency’s official memorial. [1, 2, 3]

This figure is drawn from the following details:

• The Memorial Wall: The CIA Memorial Wall at headquarters in Langley, Virginia, honors employees who have died serving their country. The wall has grown to 141 stars, with several dozen added since 1996.[1, 2]
• Classified Identities: Because the CIA heavily compartmentalizes its operations, the names and circumstances surrounding about 33 of these fallen officers remain classified for their own safety and operational security. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Global Incidents: Notable unclassified deaths within this 30-year window include casualties in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, such as Johnny (Mike) Spann (the first U.S. fatality in the war in Afghanistan), as well as various other paramilitary officers and intelligence specialists deployed globally.[1, 2]
• Informants: The above numbers represent direct CIA personnel and contractors. They do not include the hundreds of foreign informants or local assets who have been killed or captured while aiding the agency in active conflict and espionage environments. [1, 2]