News >> Browse Articles >> Officer Down News
Sheriff's Deputy Killed In Tragic Boating Accident
The patrol car of Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Deputy Dean Ridings, who died Saturday in a boating accident, is draped in black, with flowers as the Sheriff's Department mourns his loss. (Hank Silverberg/WTOP Photo)
WTOP
June 21, 2010
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – The patrol car of a Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s deputy sits draped in black Sunday as fellow deputies mourn one of their own who died yesterday in a tragic boating accident.
Deputy Dean Ridings, 52, was on marine patrol of a crowded Lake Anna when the accident happened around 12:40p.m., Saturday.
“The boat was struck by a large wake, or a series of wakes which caused the boat to go sideways and caused Deputy Ridings to strike his head,” says Sheriff Howard Smith.
Smith says that the lake is usually very busy on weekends, making the waters rougher than usual.
He was taken to Mary Washington Hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. Deputy William Schroeder, who was driving the boat, was thrown from the boat into the water and was later rescued by other boats.
Ridings had been a member of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. His two sons are also deputies with the county.
He is the first Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy to die in the line of duty since 1988.
(Copyright 2010 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
RKEENAN
almost 3 years ago
572 Comments
R I P Deputy Dean Ridings.
Thank you for your service.
sgt_black_cloud241
almost 3 years ago
190 Comments
Go with God, Brother....we'll take it from here.
station_100_2003
almost 3 years ago
552 Comments
Rest In Peace
hbg522
almost 3 years ago
7006 Comments
RIP Deputy Ridings
kweigand
almost 3 years ago
26 Comments
God Bless him and his family, Deputy you and your family will forever be in our prayers.
Anonymous
almost 3 years ago
Rest in peace, God bless you and your family and friends.
Gombino
almost 3 years ago
2660 Comments
RIP, Brother.
184retired
almost 3 years ago
3804 Comments
RIP deputy...
ERIC4536
almost 3 years ago
534 Comments
So sad. Rest In Peace. Our prayers to the family and friends.
Maugwa
almost 3 years ago
904 Comments
Godspeed Brother. God bless friends, family and coworkers during this difficult time.
FBD183
almost 3 years ago
728 Comments
Rest In Peace Brother
DocThomas
almost 3 years ago
2134 Comments
Its a very sad time here in Spotsylvania County. I did not have the pleasure of knowing this deputy, but I have had the pleasure of working with his sons when they have responded to our shoplifting calls and they are fine Deputies, professionalism they undoubtedly learned from their father. Rest in Peace Deputy Ridings, my prayers are with your friends and family.
Allen705
almost 3 years ago
1468 Comments
Jesus, another officer down. We are in for a bad summer boys and girls. Vest up and stay safe. RIP deputy.
Anonymous
almost 3 years ago
Rest in peace my brother!!
Dutch101
almost 3 years ago
1654 Comments
REST IN PEACE OFFICER