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Incident
Police Officer Michael Blankenship was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a suspicious person call at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Officer Blankenship had served with the Ohio State University Police Department for seven years and served in law enforcement for an additional 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Blankenship gave the Ohio State University Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Blankenship.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Michael is the only officer of Ohio State University Police Department remembered here.
Michael is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1997, 4 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 43. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Michael was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ohio State University Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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