Marion County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Add to My HeroesMatthew Walker Blansett
Detective Matt Blansett and Sergeant Lee Russell of the Tennessee Highway Patrol were killed in a helicopter crash on Aetna Mountain in Marion County at about 4:00 pm.
The Bell 206 helicopter struck high-tension power lines and crashed into a wooded area near mile marker 163 adjacent to I-24 and SR-134.
Detective Blansett served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department for 20 years nd also served as a Marion County Commissioner. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 78 ReflectionsFather in Heaven Bless the eternal soul of this thy servant Det Matt Blansett. Bless and care for his family ease their sorrow. This we ask in thy Holy name, Amen.
George E. Martin, Sr.
Chaplain
October 23, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026


