The early morning stillness of Wednesday turned tragic when Corporal Blake Reynolds of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office stopped to help a stranded semi-truck on northbound Interstate 69 near Gaston, Indiana. The mile-marker around 247 had become the scene of heartbreak as Reynolds provided traffic protection for the disabled vehicle, and a second semi lost control, plowing into both the disabled truck and the patrol car. Despite prompt emergency efforts, Reynolds was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Reynolds joined the department in 2022 after serving in the Army National Guard, quickly rising to corporal because of his dedication, leadership and professionalism. His department described him as “steady, caring and brave”—the kind of deputy every agency hopes to have. Friends and colleagues remember him as humble and selfless, always willing to help others without hesitation. The fact that he had been newly married in June 2025 only adds another layer of sorrow to the loss. From the very start of his law-enforcement career, Reynolds embodied the values of service, integrity and compassion.
According to the preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police, Reynolds had stopped to assist a semi-truck that was partially blocking lanes. While he was outside his patrol vehicle, the second semi lost control, collided with the disabled truck and the patrol car. The crash shut down northbound lanes of I-69 for hours, with traffic diverted at Indiana 28 to allow investigators and responders to clear the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the second semi was transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for surgery.
The outpouring of support for the sheriff’s office and the wider community has been overwhelming. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office issued a heartfelt statement: “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, prayers, and the assistance of all agencies who responded.” Reynolds’ sacrifice has resonated across Indiana, with fellow agencies, fire departments and local leaders acknowledging his service.
As tributes continue to pour in, community members are coming together to honor his legacy. Vigils and memorials are being planned to pay respect to a man whose life was defined by helping others. Whether as a soldier in the Guard, a teammate at the sheriff’s office, or the newly married husband, Reynolds’ character shone through: someone you could count on when things were at their worst.
In the wake of this tragedy, investigators will continue to piece together exactly how the second semi lost control. The Indiana State Police confirmed the crash is under full review, and all evidence at the scene—including vehicle speeds, weather or road conditions and the state of the trucks—involved will be considered. Meanwhile the closure of the I-69 northbound lanes earlier Wednesday serves as a stark reminder of how quickly something routine can turn perilous for those whose job is to protect.
For the residents of Delaware County and the law enforcement family statewide, the message is clear: Corporal Blake Reynolds will not be forgotten. He gave his life while protecting others—and the community stands united in grief, respect and remembrance of a true public servant.
