Delaware County, IN — The Delaware County community is reeling from the loss of Corporal Blake Reynolds, a dedicated sheriff’s deputy who tragically died early Wednesday morning in a crash on Interstate 69. The incident occurred near the 247 mile-marker, close to Gaston, at approximately 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, when Reynolds, who was assisting a stranded driver, was struck by a semi-trailer.
According to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Reynolds had been providing protection for the disabled vehicle when a second northbound semi lost control and collided with both Reynolds’ patrol car and the disabled truck. The impact left Reynolds critically injured, and he was transported to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the second semi was also injured and taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he is undergoing surgery.
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Reynolds, a four-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, had earned a reputation for professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to public service. He had joined the department in 2022 following his service in the Army National Guard. In June 2025, Reynolds had married his wife, marking a new chapter in his life. His sudden passing is a devastating loss not only to his family but also to his colleagues and the broader community he so selflessly served.
A Heartbreaking Loss
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our law enforcement family and for the entire Delaware County community,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, expressing gratitude for the public’s support and prayers during this tragic time.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Scott Keegan provided details of the incident, explaining that Reynolds was responding to reports of a disabled semi partially blocking the roadway when the second semi lost control. While Reynolds was assisting the truck driver, the collision occurred, leading to the fatal crash.
Community and Statewide Tributes
The loss of Corporal Reynolds has resonated across Delaware County and beyond. Local agencies, including the Chesterfield Police Department, Yorktown Fire Department, and the Eaton Volunteer Fire Department, have expressed their condolences. State leaders, including Governor Mike Braun, called the news “deeply saddening” and offered prayers for Reynolds’ family and colleagues.
Reynolds’ colleagues remember him as a dedicated officer who embodied the core values of law enforcement: courage, responsibility, and a deep commitment to serving his community. His passing has left a void in the department, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who worked alongside him.
Investigation and Ongoing Support
The Indiana State Police are continuing to investigate the crash to determine the factors that led to the tragedy. Authorities are asking for the public’s patience as they work to gather all relevant information.
As Delaware County and surrounding communities unite in grief, vigils, and messages of support continue to pour in for Reynolds’ family and the sheriff’s office. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office concluded their statement, saying, “His unwavering dedication to duty and his willingness to help others will not be forgotten.”