(28 February 1934 - 7 December 1935) (her death)
A probable marriage of convenience to budding starlet Aleta Friele, who appeared on Broadway using the name Aleta Freel, ended disastrously with the 28-year-old actress taking her own life with a rifle in their Hollywood Hills home. The actor was deeply shaken by this tragic event. He tried to cover his tracks yet again, however, by marrying beautiful actress Anne Nagel, whom he met while on the set of China Clipper (1936) and Here Comes Carter (1936). It didn't help quash his spiraling depression.
His wife Aleta Friele, despondent over marriage and career problems, killed herself with a .22 rifle outside their Laurel Canyon home in December of 1935. Remarrying and moving to Encino, Ross committed suicide with a .22 target pistol shortly after the first anniversary of his wife's death. Both shot themselves in the temple.
Met first wife Aleta, the daughter of a physician, while they were appearing with the University Players Theater in Cape Cod during the summer season of 1930.