Conservation Officer Thomas Jay Deniston

Thomas Jay Deniston

Conservation Officer Thomas Deniston was killed in an aircraft accident at Smith Field near State Road 3 and Interstate 69 in Allen County.

Conservation Officer Deniston was traveling in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane became engulfed in flames upon impact and was nearly completely destroyed. The pilot who was a dispatcher, and a jail officer, both of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department and off duty were also killed in the crash. Conservation Officer Deniston was investigating deer being hunted illegally and had planned on photographing duck blinds and possible waterfowl bating.

Conservation Officer Deniston had served with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for two years and was a US Air Force veteran. He was survived by his wife, four sisters, two brothers and parents.