(IN) A Delaware County Sheriff's Corporal killed in a Crash on Interstate 69
DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — A Delaware County sheriff's corporal was killed in a crash on Interstate 69 early Wednesday morning, police said.
The crash was reported around 3:30 a.m. Nov. 12 along northbound I-69 at the 247 mile-marker, near Gaston.
Delaware County Sheriff's Corporal Blake Reynolds, 31, stopped to help a semi-truck driver as the semi was stopped partially in the roadway.
While Reynolds was outside of his vehicle, a northbound semi-truck – driven by a 39-year-old man from New Haven, Indiana – lost control and hit the corporal's car and the other semi-truck.
Medics transported Reynolds to Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, where he was pronounced dead.
Medics transported the semi-truck driver from New Haven via helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he underwent immediate surgery, according to Indiana State Police.
Thursday morning, ISP said that driver was out of surgery and remained hospitalized. That same afternoon, ISP said the driver is conscious and alert at the hospital, but he is still in critical condition.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for our law enforcement family and for the entire Delaware County community," the sheriff's office said. "We are grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from the public and thank all the assisting agencies who responded to this tragic scene."
All lanes of northbound I-69 were closed in the area for several hours Wednesday morning during the investigation but reopened around noon.
13News reached out to Prairie Farms, the company which owns the semi-truck which hit Reynolds' patrol vehicle and the stopped semi.
"Prairie Farms is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the life of a Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy. Our thoughts are with the deputy’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting full details from the accident investigation," a company spokesperson said in a statement.
Reynolds had been with the sheriff's office for four years.
"(Reynolds) quickly distinguished himself through his hard work, professionalism, and leadership, earning promotion to the rank of Corporal," the sheriff's office said. "Blake was known for his unwavering dedication to duty, his compassion for others, and his deep commitment to serving the people of Delaware County."
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