The New York State Police have confirmed the line-of-duty death of a 56-year-old retired State Trooper.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James has confirmed that 56-year-old retired Trooper Mark A. Ondus has passed away.

Trooper Mark A. Ondus

New York State Police Via FacebookNew York State Trooper Passes Away

The announcement, made through a press release on Friday, October 10th that stated,

“It is with deep sadness that Superintendent Steven G. James announces the line of duty death of retired Trooper Mark A. Ondus, at the age of 56.”

 

Trooper Ondus, who served 26 years with the New York State Police (NYSP), passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

Trooper Ondus is survived by his wife Tammy, his sons Charles, Sebastian, Nikolas, and his daughter Tauni.

New York State Trooper Nigel Barnett Killed

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Via FacebookNew York State Police Line of Duty Deaths in 2025

Trooper Ondus passing is the fourth line-of-duty passing this year and the third trooper that have passed away due to an illness resulting from his time at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks.

Back on April 12th, 2025, retired NYSP Investigator Thomas K. Herrick passed away, and 56-year-old retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell passed away on May 20th, 2025.

SEE ALSO: Man Killed After Motorcycle Crashes Into Horse in Dutchess County

In September, 49-year-old Sergeant/Station Commander Nigel K. Barnett of Poughkeepsie, NY, died following a motorcycle accident on the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill, NY.

The funeral service for Barnett took place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and friends of each of the dedicated men mentioned above. Rest in peace!

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