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Incident
Deputy Kelly Vermeersch was killed in an automobile crash while responding to assist officers from a neighboring jurisdiction.
During the response, Deputy Vermeersch's cruiser, a 1999 Crown Victoria, hydroplaned as he rounded a curve. The vehicle entered a wooded area where it struck a tree and flipped over, killing him instantly. There was heavy rainstorm at the time of the accident.
Deputy Vermeersch had served with the Huron County Sheriff's Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three 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.
Deputy Vermeersch gave the Huron County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bad Axe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Vermeersch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Huron County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Kelly is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Kelly is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kelly is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 4 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 2000, 85 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2000, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Kelly was 39. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Kelly had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kelly was 39. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Kelly had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kelly was 39. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Kelly had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.6% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Sundays: 13.8%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Huron County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Huron County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Kelly among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Huron County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
