U.S. Navy · United States 
Gary Nelson
1975
Gary Anthony Nelson served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Pilot Gary Nelson was killed in a helicopter accident while assisting detectives during a surveillance operation of a known narcotics dealer. He was a detective in the Vice Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit. The observer in the aircraft was seriously injured in the accident when the helicopter struck the side of Tahquitz Peak, three miles east of Idyllwild in Riverside County. Pilot Nelson was United States Navy veteran and had served with the Anaheim Police Department for eleven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Anaheim Police Department
Helicopter Pilot
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn6qz2qvntcmth4yf1p1
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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