First Sergeant Karl Eugene Kelley, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana

First Sergeant Karl Eugene Kelley

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana

End of Watch Friday, April 17, 1998

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Karl Eugene Kelley

First Sergeant Karl Kelley died from injuries suffered the day before during a training exercise at the Williams Dam on the East Fork White River in Lawrence County.

A boat containing two other conservation officers had overturned in turbulent waters. When Sergeant Kelley and another conservation officer attempted a rescue, their boat capsized as well. First Sergeant Kelley was rescued after being submerged for 15 minutes. He survived for 24 hours before succumbing to his injuries at University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sergeant Kelley had served with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, son, two stepsons, parents, brother, sister, four grandchildren, and two stepgrandchildren.

Bio

Age 56
Tour 28 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Drowned
Incident Date Thursday, April 16, 1998

training, water rescue

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Most Recent Reflection

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How do you say thank you to someone who would give his life for you?
How could I ever repay a debt so great?

The debt I can never repay, (though I have long since tried) but there is a way I can say thank you. It's by accepting that great gift, and sacrifice...By never forgetting.... And, by choosing to live, and serve every day for the one who died for me....Any less would mean he died in vein.
Today I choose to do that!! Thank You Karl Kelley

First Sergeant Tom Jahn
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division

July 21, 2025