EOW: August 15, 1975
Officer Gary Nelson died Aug. 15, 1975 in a helicopter accident while assisting detectives during a surveillance operation of a known narcotics dealer. The crash occurred in a rugged area near Idyllwild. Officer Robert DePartee was an observer in the helicopter and was seriously injured. He recovered and later returned to serve as a helicopter pilot.
Officer Nelson had been employed with the Anaheim Police Department for 11 years, and was survived by his wife, son and daughter.