An Indiana sheriff’s deputy was struck and killed by a semi-truck early Wednesday morning while helping a stranded motorist on a dark stretch of Interstate 69 — a tragedy that has left the Delaware County community in mourning.
Authorities say Corporal Blake Reynolds, 32, of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, was responding to a call about a disabled semi near the 243-mile marker around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. Reynolds had parked behind the truck with his emergency lights flashing to protect the driver when disaster struck.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Scott Keegan, another northbound semi lost control on the icy road and slammed into both the disabled vehicle and Reynolds’ patrol car. Reynolds, who was outside his cruiser at the time, was hit in the chaos.
“This was a heartbreaking event — truly tragic,” Sgt. Keegan said during a press conference later that morning. “He was doing everything right. He was helping someone in need when the unimaginable happened.”
Despite frantic rescue efforts at the scene, Corporal Reynolds did not survive his injuries, officials confirmed.
“The entire Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is devastated,” said Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley in an emotional statement. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our law enforcement family and for the entire Delaware County community.”
Stanley described Reynolds as a “natural leader” and “a protector by nature,” adding, “He died doing what he loved — serving others.”
The driver of the second semi, whose name has not been released, was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery. His condition remains unknown.
Reynolds joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 after several years working in private security. Known among his colleagues for his calm demeanor and dedication, he had recently been promoted to corporal for his “exceptional professionalism and commitment to public safety,” the department said.
“He had a smile that made the worst day better,” said one fellow deputy, who asked not to be named. “He was the guy you wanted with you on a call — brave, steady, always putting others first.”
The sheriff’s office has asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as state police continue investigating the crash. Flags across Delaware County have been lowered to half-staff.
Local residents gathered Wednesday night outside the sheriff’s office to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial. “He was one of the good ones,” said Andrea Larkin, a Muncie resident who brought her two young sons to the vigil. “My kids see police every day. Now they’ll see what it means to be a hero.”
Governor Eric Holcomb also issued a statement calling Reynolds’ death “a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement face every single day.”
As one sign at the memorial read: “You protected us — now we’ll remember you.”
Citation: ABC News, Indiana State Police press briefing, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office statements (Nov. 12, 2025)
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