U.S. Army · United States 
John Rhatigan
1908
John J. Rhatigan served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Patrolman John Rhatigan succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier when he was thrown from his horse while patrolling Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn.
He suffered a skull fracture when he was thrown against a tree at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Webster Avenue. He was taken to Kings County Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
The horse he was riding was considered a "bad" horse and had previously thrown and injured two other officers. One week after Patrolman Rhatigan's death the horse dragged a police lieutenant for one mile, causing severe injuries.
Patrolman Rhatigan was a U.S. Army veteran and one of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. He had served with the NYPD for four years.
He suffered a skull fracture when he was thrown against a tree at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Webster Avenue. He was taken to Kings County Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
The horse he was riding was considered a "bad" horse and had previously thrown and injured two other officers. One week after Patrolman Rhatigan's death the horse dragged a police lieutenant for one mile, causing severe injuries.
Patrolman Rhatigan was a U.S. Army veteran and one of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. He had served with the NYPD for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
New York City Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp7cb04q1prdbx5ks5rm
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor John.
Leave a Tribute