U.S. Navy · United States 
Charles Rathell
1973
Charles Straining Rathell served the U.S. Navy for 2 years. Charles also served in the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Trooper First Class Charles Rathell and Trooper First Class Donald Parkerson were killed when their Bell Jet Ranger helicopter crashed near the intersection of Muirkirk Road and Route 1. They were attempting an emergency landing after an engine failure at 5:15 p.m. Trooper Rathell was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Maryland State Police for almost six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and sister.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1965 – 1967
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Maryland State Police
Trooper First Class
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn8x2s34hpavcx4v7a8b
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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