Sergeant John David Stimson

Sergeant John David Stimson

Alaska State Troopers - Fish and Wildlife Protection, Alaska

End of Watch Friday, January 14, 1983

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John David Stimson

Sergeant John Stimson succumbed to hypothermia following a helicopter crash while searching for a missing pilot near Cordova, Alaska. The helicopter he was riding in experienced an engine failure and crashed.

The contract pilot suffered a broken back in the crash. Sergeant Stimson was unable to access any of the emergency equipment due to damage to the helicopter. He died after a night of exposure to cold temperatures after making the injured pilot as comfortable as possible. The injured pilot survived.

Sergeant Stimson had served with the Alaska State Troopers - Fish and Wildlife Protection for just over 11 years.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Hypothermia

search and rescue, mechanical failure

Most Recent Reflection

View all 29 Reflections

I did not know David, but as a fellow Alaska State Trooper, I attended his funeral. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground was played at his service. I listen to it often and think of him and his service and sacrifice to our fellow man. RIP

Sam Barnard

November 7, 2023

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