Taken from: http://www.thetimesonline.com/

"Newton officer county's first to die in line of duty"

DEPUTY DEATH: Sheriff's deputy dies after touching downed power line after crash.

BY RUTHANN ROBINSON
Times Staff Writer

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 12:03 AM CDT

"Newton County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Blann died Monday morning after touching downed power lines at the scene of a single-car crash.

The 27-year-old Blann was dispatched just after 8 a.m. to a roll-over crash on County Road 525 West, north of Kentland. An 18-year-old female driver plowed her 1997 Hyundai into a power pole after trying to avoid a deer, according to police. The car rolled onto its top and came to rest in a cornfield next to the road.

The driver was not injured and went to her house to report the accident. Blann took the report from the woman at her home, then went to the crash site to conclude the investigation.

For an unknown reason, Blann came in contact with the downed power line. Witnesses called 911, and Blann was pronounced dead at the scene.

Blann served as a deputy sheriff for four years. He also worked as a jailer and was a deputy marshal for Kentland prior to serving with the Sheriff's Department. Blann is the first officer killed in the line of duty while serving the Newton County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Myron Sutton said.

"The entire department is feeling great sorrow at this loss," Sutton said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family at this time of sadness. Craig was an exemplary officer and always represented the people of Newton County with the greatest service and professionalism. You could not ask for a better person. Craig will be greatly missed."

He leaves behind his wife, Karen, and two children, ages 4 and 16 months. Arrangements are pending, and a memorial fund for Blann's children will be set up, Sutton said.

The crash and death investigation are being handled by Indiana State Police."



RIP Deputy Craig Blann

That really sucks.  

He leaves behind his wife, Karen, and two children, ages 4 and 16 months. RIP Deputy Craig Blann

It hurts to read that.

Damn.

damn shame that is. stuff like that never makes sense to me.

J

R.I.P. brother.

4 and 16 mos very sad