An Indiana sheriff’s deputy has died after being struck by a semi-truck while helping a stranded motorist early Wednesday morning.
Corporal Blake Reynolds of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was assisting a disabled semi-truck along Interstate 69 near the 247-mile marker on Nov. 12 when he was hit by a second semi-truck, according to Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley.
Indiana State Police Sergeant Scott Keegan said Reynolds had positioned his patrol car behind the broken-down truck shortly after 3:30 a.m. when the second semi collided with both vehicles, local station WXIN reported.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Reynolds later died from his injuries at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. The condition of the stranded driver has not yet been disclosed.
The driver of the semi-truck that struck the deputy was transported to the same hospital and underwent surgery, NBC affiliate WTHR reported. Local outlet WRTV noted that the semi involved in the collision was associated with Prairie Farms.
Sergeant Keegan said Indiana State Police are supporting the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office “in any way we can” as they grieve the sudden loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. They’re going through a tough time right now,” he told WXIN, noting that state troopers are covering calls to allow deputies time to mourn.
Reynolds was described as a “dedicated four-year veteran” who joined the agency in 2022 and quickly rose to the rank of Corporal due to “hard work, professionalism, and leadership,” Stanley said in a statement. He was known for his compassion and strong commitment to the community.
Before his law enforcement career, Reynolds served in the Army National Guard. He recently married his wife, Allison, in June and was “looking forward to building their future together,” the statement added.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire community he served with pride,” said Stanley, who also expressed gratitude to first responders who assisted at the scene for their “quick response, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time.”
Prairie Farms did not immediately provide comment.
