Tragedy: Trooper Dies At Letchworth State Park
November 21, 2013
WYOMING COUNTY, NY – New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico reports that he is saddened to announce the death of Trooper Ross M. Riley assigned to Field Command, Emergency Management in Albany.
Officials say that yesterday, Trooper Riley, a member of the Special Operations Response Team – West, based in Collins Center, New York, succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall while participating in training drills at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County. Troopers report that during high angle rescue training, Trooper Riley fell from a ledge approximately 30 feet into Wolf Creek. He was transported and died at Wyoming County Community Hospital.
Trooper Riley was a 17 year veteran of the New York State Police. He worked in Troops A, E and F and became of a member of SORT, then named the Mobile Response Team, in March of 2000. He received a commendation for his service as a member of the Mobile Response Team at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Riley, a veteran of the Persian Gulf Conflict, served as a U.S. Marine from 1987 until he was honorably discharged in 1992.
During his military service he was awarded a number of commendations including Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and National Defense Medal.
He is survived by his wife, New York State Police Station Commander Heidi Riley, SP Olean and their three daughters, 10-year-old Abaigeal, 8-year-old Katherine and 3-year-old Jillian. He was 44 years old.
