Sheriff Berghager died of a heart attack after executing a search warrant at a residence.

On June 7 2007, while searching the residence, Sheriff Berghager became exhausted and short of breath causing him to step outside several times to breathe fresh air. The next morning, on June 8 2007, Sheriff Berghager appeared disoriented when he arrived at the office. He collapsed and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Sheriff Berghager, 67, was in his eleventh year as the Ralls County Sheriff. He he had previously served for both the Center Police Department and as a reserve officer for Marion County Sheriff's Department. He had previously retired as a lineman for R.C.E.C. He served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1958 to 1966. He was survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. Interred: Grand View Burial Park, Hannibal, Ralls County, MO.