Corporal Theophilius Gaines

Corporal Theophilius Gaines

New York State Police, New York

End of Watch Friday, January 15, 1932

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Theophilius Gaines

Corporal Theopolis Gaines and Lieutenant Tremain Hughes were killed when their state police airplane crashed a few miles east of Cazenovia in Madison County, New York, at 5:19 pm.

Corporal Gaines was conducting routine inspections of Troop Communications Sections and was being transported from Troop to Troop by aircraft. Corporal Gaines was a passenger in a plane operated by Lieutenant Hughes, and it is believed that they hit the top of a tree during a forced landing in foggy conditions. The aircraft burst into flames, and both were killed.

Lieutenant Hughes was trapped in the rear cockpit of the burning plane, and Corporal Gaines was thrown from the plane and died instantly.

Corporal Gaines had served New York State Police in Albany and had previously served with Troop B Malone. In 1928, he had been shot in the shoulder and jaw while chasing a suspected bootlegger. He was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident

plane crash, weather

Most Recent Reflection

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Cpl. Gaines,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 15, 2022

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