An Indiana state trooper died after crashing his vehicle while en route to help out another trooper, the Indiana State Police said in a news release.
The state trooper was identified as 27-year-old Peter R. Stephan. He had been with the Indiana State Police for four years.
According to the release, Stephan was traveling northbound on Old State Road 25 around 10:25 p.m. on Friday, when his vehicle bumped into a curve, according to the initial investigation conducted by Indiana State Police Sergeant Rick Brown Rick Brown.
Trooper Stephan’s 2018 Dodge Charger “left the east side of the roadway, rolled at least one time and struck a utility pole,” according to the news release. He was on his way to help out another state trooper who had asked for assistance in Americus prior to the crash.
The reason the vehicle left the roadway is unknown.
Stephan suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene.
“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Stephan’s family, friends and co-workers,” said Douglas G. Carter, the Indiana State Police Superintendent.
“The Indiana State Police is mourning the loss of [Indiana State Police Lafayette District] Trooper Peter R. Stephan, a four year veteran as a result of a vehicle crash late last night. Please keep Trooper Stephan’s family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers,” the Indiana State Police wrote on Twitter.
“[The Indiana State Police] will be providing information later today in regards to a foundation which is going to be set up for those wishing to make monetary donations on behalf of Tpr Stephan’s family. It is being requested that no additional accounts be set up for [fundraising] efforts.” the state police added.
Sergeants in the state extended condolences to Trooper Stephan’s family.
“Our hearts are broken. Prayers for his wife and infant daughter. May God grant the employees [of Indiana State Police Lafayette District] Post strength. Rest easy Trooper Stephan, we will take over from here. Your ultimate sacrifice to our state will never be forgotten. I promise,” wrote Sergeant Tony Slocum, the spokesman for the Indiana State Police Peru District, on Twitter.
“Extremely heavy heart this morning for Trooper Stephan’s wife and infant daughter,” wrote Sergeant John Perrine, spokesman for Central Indiana State Police in a tweet.
Stephan left behind his wife and his six-month-old daughter, according to the release.
The Tippecanoe County Sheriff Department, White County Sheriff Department, Tippecanoe County EMS, Lafayette Fire Department, Buck Creek Fire Department, Tipmont REMC, as well as troopers from neighboring Indiana State Police Districts assisted Indiana State Police at the scene of the crash.
