NEED TO KNOW
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A deputy has died after he was hit by a semi-truck while helping a broken-down vehicle on Interstate 69 in Indiana on Nov. 12
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The deputy has been identified by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as Corporal Blake Reynolds
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Reynolds was “known for his unwavering dedication to duty, his compassion for others, and his deep commitment to serving the people of Delaware County,” an official said
An Indiana deputy has died after he was hit by a semi-truck while on duty.
Corporal Blake Reynolds was helping a broken-down semi-truck on Interstate 69 near the 247-mile marker” early on Wednesday, Nov. 12 when he was hit by another semi-truck, Jeff Stanley, chief deputy for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, said in a news release.
Indiana State Police Sergeant Scott Keegan said Reynolds was pulled up behind the disabled truck shortly after 3:30 a.m. local time when the second truck hit both his patrol car and the second vehicle, FOX affiliate WXIN reported.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted, but Reynolds ultimately “succumbed to his injuries,” Stanley said in the news release. The condition of the stranded motorist is unclear at this time.
Police said the driver of the semi that hit Reynolds was taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and underwent surgery, according to NBC affiliate WTHR. Reynolds died at the same hospital.
The semi involved in the crash was associated with Prairie Farms, ABC affiliate WRTV reported.
Keegan said the Indiana State Police is here to support the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office “in any way we can” following the “tragic event,” according to WXIN.
“We have troopers that are out responding to calls right now just to give this department time to mourn the loss of their colleague,” the sergeant said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. They’re going through a tough time right now.”
Reynolds was “a dedicated four-year veteran” of the department, which he joined in 2022, Stanley noted in the news release. He quickly rose in rank to Corporal after distinguishing himself “through his hard work, professionalism, and leadership.”
“Blake was known for his unwavering dedication to duty, his compassion for others, and his deep commitment to serving the people of Delaware County,” the chief added.
Previously, Reynolds served in the Army National Guard, according to Stanley. He married his wife, Allison, in June “and was looking forward to building their future together.”
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire community he served with pride,” he said.
The chief added, “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.”
Stanley said the sheriff’s office is also extending “sincere gratitude” to the various agencies and emergency personnel that assisted after Reynolds was struck “for their quick response, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time.”
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Prairie Farms did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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