Paul Stojanovich

Stojanovich died on March 15, 2003 after accidentally falling off a cliff on the Oregon coast while posing for a photograph his fiance, Kim Crowell, was taking. He was 47. His body was found 29 days later by kayakers Ben Baker and David Steinberg at Short Sands Beach after his body washed up to the shore. He is survived by his two sons, Paul Jr., "Paulie", and Chester, aka Chet.

After serving as a field producer for the reality show COPS in 1989 and then producing and creating the ABC series American Detective, Stojanovich executive produced a series of crime reality shows, including World's Scariest Police Chases and Ultimate Police Challenge. His legacy as an innovative creator and producer still commands respect in the entertainment business.

His interest in policing began when he was attending high school in San Jose, often listening to his police scanner. He even subscribed to a CHP magazine. In 1973, at 17, Paul met San Jose Police Officer Nate Jaeger who allowed him to ride along with him on Patrol weekly. Paul turned from still photography to Super 8 camera filming of Nate's police assignments and calls. In 1973 Paul produced his first 16mm short film called "Two Bits" in black and white starring Nate Jaeger. Nate retired from the police department, after signing a film and recording contract, and moved to Beverly Hills, California. Nate initiated the first free Rock n' Roll music site on the Internet and completed his book "...and the rest was Rock n' Roll..." Paul combined his interest in photography and film-making and his interest in police work when Nate convinced some friends with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Narcotics unit to let him film their work. The film became the Emmy-award winning documentary Narco.

Paul John Stojanovich (February 13, 1956 – March 15, 2003) was an American television producer whose notable creations include American Detective (1991–1993) and World's Wildest Police Videos (1998–2001).