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Incident
Chief Riley Scott Sumner and Reserve Officer Matthew Tuttle were killed in a helicopter accident in Scio Township while providing aerial support for officers who were involved in a foot pursuit.
The foot pursuit started during a traffic stop on I-94. Chief Sumner and Reserve Officer Matt Tuttle responded to the location in Reserve Officer Tuttle's personal helicopter to help track the suspect.
The helicopter crashed near the intersection of Staebler and Jackson Roads, killing the officers.
Chief Sumner had served as a sworn officer with the Chelsea Police Department for 19 years, and had served an additional 4 years as a dispatcher.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Sumner gave the Chelsea Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chelsea community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Sumner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Chelsea Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Riley is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Riley is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Riley is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2006, 2 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 33rd heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 2006, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2006, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Riley was 43. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Riley had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Riley was 43. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Riley had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Riley was 43. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Riley had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.1% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Chelsea Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Chelsea Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Riley among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Chelsea Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
