United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, January 29, 2011
Add to My HeroesChristopher Nickel
Park Ranger Chris Nickel passed away while patrolling the Square Tower Ruin Trail at Hovenweep National Monument in San Juan County, Utah.
A hiker discovered Ranger Nickel collapsed on the trail and immediately rushed to the visitor center to request assistance. Paramedics from Colorado, Utah and a medical helicopter from New Mexico responded but Ranger Nickel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ranger Nickel had served with the National Park Service for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and parents.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 16 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Location Utah
Most Recent Reflection
View all 93 ReflectionsRest in Peace, Ranger!
Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI
June 23, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025