His death certificate records Curtis Wade Cox, age 19 years 11 months 21 days, born 30 Apr 1894 in Morgan Co., Ky, died 9 Apr 1914 in Morgan Co., Ky, single, father Frank Cox, mother’s maiden name Laura Barker, both born in Kentucky, cause of death meningitis caused by pistol wound penetrating the brain, informant blank, home burial.

There is no indication of whether the pistol wound was accidental, suicidal or homicidal, which is supposed to be reported for violent deaths.