Michael Gray
1983
Michael A. Gray.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Michael Gray succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 10 days earlier while attempting to question a transient in front of a business at 5805 Highway 9 in Felton, California. As Deputy Gray stopped his patrol car, the man walked up to the driver's window and suddenly opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Gray in the abdomen several times. Despite being wounded, Deputy Gray was able to return as the man walked away. The suspect also shot and wounded a California Highway Patrol officer who responded to Deputy Gray's call for help. The suspect fled into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where his body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound several days later. Deputy Gray was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He is survived by his wife, 6 year-old-son, mother, father, and brother, who was a Forest Service Ranger. He is buried at the Felton Cemetery in Felton, Santa Cruz County, California.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, 6 year-old-son, mother, father, and brother, who was a Forest Service Ranger.
Service Record
Also Served
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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