Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Enforcement Division, Minnesota
End of Watch Sunday, September 28, 1975
Add to My HeroesRussell John Nelson
Conservation Officer Russell Nelson was killed in a float plane accident while searching for illegal duck hunters 12 miles south of Aitkin, Minnesota.
The pilot was also killed in the accident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Big Pine Lake.
Officer Nelson was killed two days before his 28th birthday and had served with the agency for six years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsOn this actual 45th anniversary of your untimely departure I would like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 28, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026

