Trooper Martindale, 40, died on July 24, 2013 as a result of injuries he received at the scene of a plane crash in Wawayanda, New York on May 9, 2011.
Trooper Martindale was one of the first responding units at the scene of a crash involving two small airplanes. While attempting to free the two pilots from the wreckage, Trooper Martindale fell onto a piece of equipment and sustained internal injuries. Despite his injuries, he continued in his efforts to free the pilots. Several hours later it was determined that Trooper Martindale had been severely injured. Over the next two years he underwent several surgeries and succumbed as a result of his injuries on July 24, 2013.
Trooper Martindale was a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. At the time of his death Trooper Martindale, a seven-year veteran, was assigned to SP New Hampton.