Hugh Jackman surprised mourners when he attended the memorial of a heroic Indiana sheriff’s corporal who was killed while helping a broken-down motorist earlier this week.
The “Wolverine” star was spotted in Muncie, Indiana, on Friday outside the Delaware County Sheriff’s station, where a memorial was set up for fallen Corporal Blake Reynolds.
Jackman was seen speaking to people in front of a sheriff’s patrol car covered in flowers, flags and a guitar at the memorial, according to photos shared by Indiana Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder.
“SHOUT OUT to world renowned Actor and Producer HUGH JACKMAN for stopping by and paying his respects at the Memorial for Fallen Delaware County (IN) Corporal BLAKE REYNOLDS,” Snyder wrote on X.
“Sacrifice touches the spirit of everyone,” he added. “Great for the family to see the Support.”
Reynolds, 31, was struck and killed during a horrific crash on Interstate 69 at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
Reynolds, who served three years with the Sheriff’s office, was outside his patrol car with the driver of a broken-down semitruck when a tractor-trailer crashed into his vehicle, sparking a chain reaction into the other truck and the corporal himself.
Reynolds was rushed to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Before his service with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Reynolds attended Ball State University, where he studied criminal justice, according to his obituary.
Reynolds was also a member of the United States Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife, Allison, parents, brothers, grandparents and in-laws.
“From his first day on the job, Blake knew law enforcement wasn’t just his profession — it was his calling,” his obituary read. “He was hardwired to protect and serve, and he did so with courage, compassion, and a heart for people. He loved the night shift, the brotherhood of his team, and every opportunity to make a difference in the community he called home.”
Reynolds was remembered as a “loyal, goofy, and faithful Christian,” who enjoyed spending time with family.
“Outside of work, Blake found joy in the simple things: snuggling with his sidekick kitten Nightwing, listening to his favorite head-banging music, watching scary movies, diving into history books, quoting Star Wars, and cheering for Batman as if it were real life,” his family said.
A public service to honor Reynolds’ life and sacrifice is scheduled for Nov. 22 in Muncie.
Jackman has become a frequent visitor to Muncie as his Tony Award-winning girlfriend Sutton Foster is an instructor of theater at Ball State.
The actor stopped by Muncie City Hall during Friday’s visit to the Indiana city, 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis.
“Actor Hugh Jackman stopped by for a visit with Mayor [Dan] Ridenour and city hall staff!” the city government wrote on Facebook. “We were honored to welcome him to Muncie and share a glimpse of the awesome work happening in our community. His kindness, energy and genuine interest in our city made this visit one we won’t soon forget.”
Jackman was greeted by Ridenour before being given a tour of the municipal building and posing for a photo with the staff.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
