A deep hush fell over the community of Delaware County, Indiana early Wednesday morning as news broke that one of their own, longtime deputy Tony Skinner of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, lost his life in the line of duty. It happened just after sunrise on northbound Interstate 69 near mile marker 247—between State Road 32 and State Road 26—when he stopped to offer assistance to a driver in distress.
According to officials, Deputy Skinner had pulled over to help with a disabled semi-truck that was partially blocking the roadway. His patrol vehicle sat nearby, lights flashing, as he carried out the selfless act of support. It was during that moment that another northbound semi-truck collided with his vehicle, fatally injuring him despite the rapid efforts of emergency crews and an air ambulance.
The crash immediately prompted a full closure of northbound lanes on I-69, as first responders from multiple agencies swarmed the area. The Indiana Department of Transportation issued an alert just before 4 a.m., and the Indiana State Police is now leading a full investigation into the circumstances.
In a statement, Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley expressed the profound grief of the sheriff’s office: “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.”
Colleagues and friends remember Tony Skinner as more than just a deputy—he was humble, dependable, and always ready with kindness and respect for everyone he encountered. His final act of stepping out to assist a stranded driver echoes the very essence of his service: courage, compassion and community. While some details of his career remain off the record, the respect he earned is clearly visible in the response to this tragedy.
Flags across the county have been lowered to half-staff, and patrol vehicles display black mourning bands as a sign of respect. Community members have lit blue lights in windows, and local businesses have observed a moment of silence to honor Deputy Skinner’s sacrifice. His legacy is rooted in an unwavering commitment to serve others—and in that, he will be remembered.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on healing, remembrance, and ensuring that the act of helping a neighbor did not go unseen. Deputy Tony Skinner’s life concluded on a morning meant for assistance and goodwill, but his memory now lives on in the hearts of those he served.
