Maryland State Police, Maryland
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 18, 1973
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: September 18, 1973
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Trooper First Class Charles Rathell and Trooper First Class Donald Parkerson were killed when their Bell Jet Ranger helicopter crashed near the intersection of Muirkirk Road and Route 1.
They were attempting an emergency landing after an engine failure at 5:15 p.m.
Trooper Rathell was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Maryland State Police for almost six years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and sister.