Corporal Tomlinson was the rear seat "observer" when his airplane crashed in St. John's County, while assisting in the search for two suspects wanted for breaking and entering. Trooper Merle Cook and Trooper Robert Pruitt were also lost in this crash. Corporal Tomlinson had served the citizens of Florida, with the Florida Highway Patrol, for 19 years. His career with FHP began August 30, 1962. He was in the 22nd recruit class in Tallahassee, from August 30 to November 17, 1962. He was stationed in Sanford and St. Augustine. At the time of his death, he was 42.