Fremont County Iowa Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson lost his life Tuesday in the line of duty. He was involved in a motor vehicle crash involving a combine.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said that Richardson died in a crash that happened at 12:35 p.m. on Highway 275 near 260th St in Fremont County.
The combine driver, James Groff, 64, was driving south on Highway 275 while Richardson was driving north.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the combine was wider than the lane and Richardson hit the front dual tire.
Richardson’s car skidded sideways and rolled several times coming to rest on its left side. Richardson was pronounced dead after an investigation by the Iowa State Patrol and the State Medical Examiner.
Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope confirmed the deputy was on duty in his patrol car at the time of the accident, and the crash remains under investigation.
Richardson leaves behind a wife and three daughters.