What Happened to Aaron Smith? Indiana State Trooper Aaron Smith Obituary
by Ayisha | Updated Jul 08, 2023
What Happened to Aaron Smith?
Trooper Aaron Smith, a 33-year-old officer from Franklin, Indiana, was tragically struck and killed by a stolen vehicle that was being pursued by the police in suburban Indianapolis.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 8:40 p.m. while Trooper Smith was in the process of placing stop sticks on Ronald Reagan Parkway. He was hit by the vehicle on the north side of Interstate 70 in Plainfield. Despite being rushed to an Indianapolis hospital, Smith, unfortunately, did not survive his injuries.
Three individuals who were in the stolen vehicle were taken to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Among them were two young men who were subsequently arrested.
An 18-year-old suspect, believed to be the driver of the car, faces preliminary murder charges, while a 19-year-old is facing preliminary charges of auto theft. Additionally, a 15-year-old girl who was also in the vehicle was reported as a missing person from Missouri and will be returned to authorities there.
The State Police Superintendent, Douglas Carter, expressed his condolences and stated that investigators would be reviewing dashcam and body camera footage of the crash. The Hendricks County prosecutor will determine the criminal charges related to the pursuit and the death of Trooper Aaron Smith.
Smith's untimely passing marks the second loss of an Indiana trooper this year due to a similar incident involving a car striking an officer while deploying stop sticks on an interstate highway.
Who is Aaron Smith Trooper?
Aaron Smith, known as Trooper Aaron Smith, was an Indiana State Trooper who served his community with dedication and commitment. Born on January 9, 1990, in Franklin, Indiana, Aaron embarked on a path of service from a young age.
He graduated from the 78th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and served as a trooper for nearly five years before his unfortunate death in the line of duty. Aaron's family and friends described him as selfless, down-to-earth, and a devout Christian.
He had a passion for helping others and always strived to do the right thing. Aaron's exemplary service was recognized through his receipt of two Lifesaving Awards for his courageous actions as a trooper.
His love for aviation led him to pursue a degree in aviation management at Indiana State University, where he also met his wife, Megan Smith. In addition to his dedication to law enforcement, Aaron served in the Indiana National Guard, honoring his best friend who lost his life in Afghanistan.
Aaron's memory and the impact he made on his community will be forever cherished by those who knew him.
Indiana State Trooper Aaron Smith Obituary
Aaron Smith, a devoted Indiana State Trooper, passed away on June 28, 2023, in Plainfield, Indiana. Born on January 9, 1990, in Franklin, Indiana, Aaron had a remarkable life dedicated to his family, community, and country. He graduated from Whiteland Community High School in 2008, where he excelled in wrestling and football.
Aaron's passion for aviation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management at Indiana State University, graduating in 2014. He joined the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy as part of the 78th class and became a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance.
Aaron proudly served as an Indiana State Trooper for nearly five years and was recognized for his heroism with two Lifesaving Awards. In addition to his law enforcement career, he served in the Indiana National Guard since 2011, achieving the rank of Sergeant and working in the 38th Infantry Division.
Aaron was also an active member of Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus and enjoyed participating in the CGX CrossFit community. He had a passion for smoking brisket, flying drones, hunting, and spending quality time with his loved ones.
Aaron married his beloved wife Megan L. (Bunting) Smith on July 30, 2016, and they shared their lives with their cherished pets, Paisley Grace and Oakley Rose. Aaron will be deeply missed by his family, including his mother Patricia Ann (Para) Denny, his father Garry W. Smith (Cynthia Marlin Smith), his siblings Jeromey M. Para, Frank Catanzarite (Amber), Chad M. King (Taylor Jarboe), and Hope E. Smith.
He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Gene and Carolyn S. (Wilhite) Marlin and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Douglas and Lynn J. (Schjenken) Bunting. Aaron's paternal grandparents Robert R. and Evelyn (Velich) Smith, maternal grandfather Sylvester Para, maternal grandmother Bonnie (Murphy) Blodgett, and maternal grandmother-in-law Fern Schjenken preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus on July 7, 2023, with Pastor Cody Johnson officiating. The service will be broadcasted live on Indianapolis television media networks and live-streamed online.
Friends can pay their respects on July 6, 2023, at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus. Aaron will be laid to rest with honors at Crown Hill Cemetery in the Heroes of Public Safety Section.
Memorial contributions to support the family can be made at any Indiana Members Credit Union branch or through the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation's website. The Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center in Franklin, Indiana, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Aaron Smith Funeral
The funeral service for Indiana State Trooper Aaron Smith, who tragically lost his life while on duty, was held at Emmanuel Church in Greenwood. Aaron and his wife, Megan Smith, were active members of the church.
The funeral proceedings were available for live viewing on Facebook, including the funeral service, procession, and graveside service. News 8 also provided comprehensive coverage of the ceremony at 5 and 6 p.m.
Additionally, the graveside service was broadcasted on WISH-TV, WISHTV.com, the WISH-TV app, and the WISH-TV Facebook page, starting at approximately 4:15 p.m.
The body of Trooper Smith was transported from Swartz Funeral Home in Franklin to the church for visitation on Thursday. On Friday, family members, friends, and community members from various parts of the country came together to honor Aaron and offer their condolences.
As a member of the Indiana National Guard, Trooper Smith will receive both police and military honors. The procession made a significant stop at Whiteland Community High School, where Aaron graduated from. Under a Garrison flag, the coach carrying his body paused for a ceremonial tradition, and a radio call marking him off duty for the final time was played.
The funeral procession concluded at Crown Hill Cemetery, where Trooper Aaron Smith was laid to rest. State police encouraged the public to line the procession route, offering opportunities to view the procession as it passed through downtown Indianapolis, from West Street to New York Street, and then moving north to Illinois Street.
Alongside his dedication as a trooper, Aaron was also a proud graduate of Indiana State University and received two Lifesaving Awards for his courageous actions. His obituary reflected his love for hobbies such as smoking brisket, flying drones, hunting, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Aaron Smith Wife
Aaron Smith, the late Indiana State Trooper, shared a beautiful bond with his wife, Megan Smith. They first met while attending Indiana State University and their connection grew into a deep and lasting love.
Megan stood by Aaron's side throughout their marriage, supporting him in his career and sharing cherished moments together. The couple's love and devotion to one another were evident in the photos and stories shared by family and friends as they prepared to bid farewell to Aaron.
Megan was an integral part of Aaron's life, and their time together was filled with joy and companionship. They enjoyed each other's company and embraced activities such as hanging out with their dogs and cheering for Notre Dame.
Their relationship was described as a source of strength and happiness for both of them. As the grieving process unfolds, Megan will undoubtedly carry the love and memories they shared deep within her heart, finding solace in the bond they had and the enduring love that continues to exist between them.
What Happened to Aaron Smith? - FAQs
Trooper Aaron Smith was struck and killed by a stolen vehicle during a police chase in Plainfield, Indiana.
Aaron Smith was 33 years old when he tragically lost his life.
Aaron Smith served as an Indiana State Trooper for nearly five years before his untimely death.
Aaron Smith was born on January 9, 1990, in Franklin, Indiana.