DELAWARE COUNTY — Delaware County Sheriff's Corporal Blake Reynolds was killed Wednesday morning while helping a stranded motorist on I-69, according to the department.
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The Delaware County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Reynolds, a four-year veteran, was struck and killed while assisting a broken-down semi near the 247-mile marker around 3:30 a.m.
This is a heartbreaking loss for our law enforcement family and for the entire Delaware County community. 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.
Indiana State Police is leading the crash investigation. According to ISP Sergeant Scott Keegan, the deputy responded to a disabled semi that was partially blocking the roadway. The deputy stopped behind the vehicle to protect the semi driver and activated emergency lights.
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While the deputy was outside his vehicle, another semi driver lost control and collided with both the deputy's patrol car and the disabled semi. Reynolds was outside his vehicle and was struck during the impact.
Despite immediate emergency response efforts, the deputy did not survive his injuries.
The driver of the Prairie Farms semi, identified by ISP as Teddy Malcom Johnson, 39, was airlifted to IU Health Methodist Hospital and is undergoing emergency surgery. His condition is currently unknown.
Sergeant Keegan spoke about the tragedy and the dangers officers face. "It's a tragic event. The Indiana State Police is here to support the Delaware County Sheriff's Office in any way we can. I know we have troopers out responding to calls just to give this department some time to mourn the loss of their colleague," Keegan said.
He added that danger "always comes with our job being on the interstate. We train for it, but tragedies happen, and that's the case that we have today."
According to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Reynolds joined the office in 2022 and quickly distinguished himself through his hard work, professionalism, and leadership, earning promotion to the rank of Corporal.
Before beginning his law enforcement career, he honorably served his country in the Army National Guard. In June, Reynolds married his wife, Allison.
"His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire community he served with pride.
We ask the public to keep Corporal Reynolds' family, loved ones, and fellow first responders in their thoughts and prayers as we mourn this tremendous loss.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many assisting agencies and emergency personnel for their quick response, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time."
I-69 northbound near mile marker 245 remains closed with significant delays. Drivers should seek alternate routes until further notice.
Outpouring of support
Law enforcement agencies across Indiana have expressed their condolences following Reynolds' death. Departments throughout the region offered their support to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office as they mourn the loss of their colleague and honor his service to the community.
Deeply saddening news out of Delaware County today. A deputy lost his life today in the line of duty while serving a stranded motorist. Maureen and I are praying for his loved ones and all who wear the badge across Indiana.
Early this morning, I was heartbroken to learn of Corporal Blake Reynolds’ tragic death. The entire Prosecutor’s Office extends our
condolences to Blake’s family, friends, and all who have worked with him on the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. Long ago it was written in the New estament that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The Gospel of John 15:13 tells us that “No greater love has a man than this, that he should lay down his life for his friends.” Please keep Corporal Reynolds’ family, loved ones, and all first responders in your thoughts and prayers as the Delaware County Community begins to mourn this tremendous loss.
A truck is now parked outside the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for people to pay tribute to the fallen deputy.
WATCH BELOW: FRIENDS SHARE MEMORIES OF CORPORAL REYNOLDS
“Just remember Blake's leadership and his dedication to his community," said DCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley.
Corporal Blake Reynolds is remembered for his unwavering dedication to duty, his compassion for others, and his deep commitment to serving Delaware County.
"He was a true leader, and it was evident that he was gonna be somebody in the department. He was gonna move up quick," said Chief Deputy Stanley.
As Reynolds' body was taken to the funeral home, deputies and community members lined the streets to pay respect.
"We stopped for him," said Nancy Hunt. "I don’t know if there’s words to describe it’s such a tragedy and I feel so sad and bad with the family."
While members of the sheriff’s department and the community grieve, state police stepped in to cover their calls in Delaware County.
"People in emergency services, we are with these people more than we are our family, and so our coworkers become our family, and you know there’s a lot of deputies out there right now, especially his shift, that are gonna be grieving, so I just asked the community to think about that," said Chief Deputy Stanley.
