An eastern Iowa State Trooper has died after being injured on the job last week. Trooper Ted Benda passed away earlier today.

Benda was helping the Clayton County Sheriff's Office with a call at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday night, October 14, when he was involved in a one-vehicle accident about six miles north of Postville on Highway 51. Benda was critically injured in the accident and was airlifted to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

This afternoon, the Iowa State Patrol and Department of Public Safety announced his death with a release that read:

The men and women of the Iowa State Patrol and Department of Public Safety are heartbroken to announce the loss of one of our own, Trooper Ted Benda ISP #313...  Trooper Benda, 37, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Thursday, October 14th while in route to assist the Clayton County Sheriff's Office with a wanted suspect. He succumbed to his injuries today, October 20, 2021.

Trooper Benda joined the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in 2005. He was assigned to the Special Enforcement Operations Bureau in Marquette, Iowa before transferring to the Iowa State Patrol 11 years later. He worked at District 8 in Mason City and was now working out of District 10 in Oelwein.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released this statement after Trooper Benda's death was announced:

I’m deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ted Benda. Kevin and I join with Iowans in mourning the loss of this dedicated servant and we keep his family, friends and fellow brothers and sisters in uniform in our thoughts and prayers as they cope with this devastating loss. Tragic events like this are a somber reminder of how precious life is and of the unwavering, selfless sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day.

Trooper Benda is survived by his wife, Holly, and their four young children. The accident Benda was involved in remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

Benda is the 12th Iowa State Trooper to die in the line of duty, and the second in 2021. Trooper Jim Smith, who also was assigned to District 10 in Oelwein, was shot and killed in April.

Iowa State Patrol
Iowa State Patrol
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