Richard P. Ross

Patrolman Ross was investigating an accident six miles West of Hugo on U.S. 287 on July 10, 1974. After completing his investigation, he backed over a bent delineator post and then drove forward slightly. The post forced a hole in the trunk of the car and pushed the exhaust pipe into the hole. Ross called a supervisor to report his accident. He left the engine running while he finished the report from the previous accident. Two truck drivers found Ross unconscious and called for help on the Patrol car radio. Ross was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from Hugo. Tests indicated he died from carbon monoxide poisoning.