U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Ross Riley
2013
Ross M. Riley served the U.S. Marine Corps for 5 years. Ross also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Trooper Ross Riley died after falling approximately 30-feet while participating in a high-angle rescue training exercise in Letchworth State Park.
As part of the exercise a life-size dummy had been placed on a ledge of a cliff over Wolf Creek. Trooper Riley, a paramedic for the agency, and two other troopers rappelled to the ledge and secured the dummy to a stretcher. As other personnel began to lift the stretcher Trooper Riley fell backwards and dropped approximately 30 feet into Wolf Creek, suffering severe head injuries.
The other two troopers immediately descended to his location and administered aid. He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Trooper Riley was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Persian Gulf War and had served with the New York State Police for 17 years.
As part of the exercise a life-size dummy had been placed on a ledge of a cliff over Wolf Creek. Trooper Riley, a paramedic for the agency, and two other troopers rappelled to the ledge and secured the dummy to a stretcher. As other personnel began to lift the stretcher Trooper Riley fell backwards and dropped approximately 30 feet into Wolf Creek, suffering severe head injuries.
The other two troopers immediately descended to his location and administered aid. He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Trooper Riley was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Persian Gulf War and had served with the New York State Police for 17 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
1987 – 1992
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
New York State Police
Trooper
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq4xbwyg0w87w51xv18g
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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