Delaware County Sheriff's Corporal Blake Reynolds was struck and killed early Wednesday morning while assisting a disabled semi-truck on Interstate 69 in Delaware County, Indiana. The tragic incident occurred near the 247-mile marker around 3:30 a.m. on November 12, 2025, when Reynolds responded to a semi-truck that was partially blocking the northbound lanes. The four-year veteran of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office had positioned his patrol vehicle behind the disabled truck with emergency lights activated to protect both the stranded driver and other motorists. While Reynolds was outside his vehicle managing the scene, another semi-truck driver lost control and collided with both the patrol car and the disabled semi. Reynolds was struck during the impact and, despite immediate emergency response efforts, did not survive his injuries. The driver of the Prairie Farms semi-truck that struck the scene was airlifted to IU Health Methodist Hospital for emergency surgery, with his condition remaining unknown. Indiana State Police is leading the crash investigation. Reynolds, who joined the sheriff's office in 2022 after serving in the Army National Guard, had distinguished himself through his professionalism and leadership, earning promotion to the rank of Corporal. The northbound lanes of I-69 were closed for the investigation, and the loss has deeply affected the law enforcement community throughout Delaware County and Indiana.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on Interstate 69 near mile marker 247 in Delaware County, Indiana, a heavily traveled north-south corridor that connects Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and serves as a major commercial trucking route. This section of I-69 experiences significant traffic volume, particularly during early morning hours when commercial vehicles transport goods throughout the region. The highway passes through Delaware County, which includes the city of Muncie and several smaller communities. Interstate conditions during early morning hours can present challenges for motorists, including reduced visibility, potential weather-related hazards, and the dangers associated with disabled vehicles on the roadway. The area where the incident occurred is typical of rural interstate highway infrastructure, with shoulders designed for emergency stops and breakdowns. The crash highlights the extreme risks faced by first responders who work along highways to assist stranded motorists and manage traffic incidents.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death may face criminal charges if negligence, reckless driving, or traffic violations are determined to have contributed to the crash. Indiana Code 9-21-8-35 requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights, and violations of this "Move Over" law can result in serious penalties. When law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty, their families may be entitled to death benefits through workers' compensation, as well as federal and state line-of-duty death benefits programs. The investigation by Indiana State Police will examine factors including driver behavior, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with traffic safety laws. In crashes involving commercial vehicles, federal motor carrier safety regulations may apply, and trucking companies can be held liable for driver actions occurring within the scope of employment. Families affected by fatal crashes typically have two years from the date of death to pursue wrongful death claims under Indiana law, which may provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Delaware County Sheriff's Office: (765) 747-7838
• Indiana State Police: (765) 289-5761
• Delaware County Emergency Management: (765) 747-7721

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) - Highway Safety Information
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Support Services:

• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) - National support organization for families of fallen law enforcement officers
• Indiana Victim Assistance Program
• Delaware County Victim Assistance
• Indiana State Police Victim Services Division

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles) - Available through the Indiana General Assembly website
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Traffic Safety Laws
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Commercial vehicle regulations
• Indiana "Move Over" law information (IC 9-21-8-35)