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Single vehicle crash kills Indiana State Police trooper

An Indiana State Police trooper is dead after he crashed while responding to a call in Tippecanoe County Friday night.

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHR) - An Indiana State Police trooper is dead after a traffic crash in Tippecanoe County Friday night.

Trooper Peter R. Stephan (Photo: Indiana State Police)

It happened around 10:25 p.m. on Old State Road 25 near Stair Road, not far from Americus along the Wabash River.

Trooper Peter R. Stephan, 27, was killed. He's a four-year veteran of ISP. Stephen was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from State Police.


A preliminary investigation indicates Stephan was northbound on Old State Road 25 south of Stair Road when his 2018 Dodge Charger squad car entered a curve. The car left the east side of the roadway, rolled at least once and struck a utility pole.

Utility crews repair a pole along Old Indiana 25 near Americus Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (WTHR/Sarah Jones)

Stephan was responding to a request for assistance from another trooper in Americus.

Stephan is survived by his wife and six-month-old daughter, Harper.

"Our heart breaks for his family, for his friends for his coworkers," said State Police spokesman Sgt. Ron Galaviz.


“Janet and I were heartbroken to learn about the death of Trooper Stephan. We ask that all Hoosiers join us in offering prayers and condolences to Trooper Stephan’s family, friends and colleagues in law enforcement.” - Gov. Eric Holcomb

An account has been established at Old National Bank on behalf of Stephan's family.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation may do so at any Old National Bank branch. Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation/Peter Stephan.


“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” - Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.

"Trooper Stephan is the 44th Indiana State Police Trooper to lose his life in the line of duty," said Galaviz, "and the 47th department member overall."

"It’s a tremendous loss for the community," Galaviz added, "a young man with a great future ahead of him."

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