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Del. officer paralyzed during 1984 helicopter training dies from injury complications

Delaware State Police Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly was paralyzed when a helicopter flipped on its side during a practice landing; he had served with DSP for seven years

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly

The other DSP officer was able to climb out of the helicopter and pull Kelly to safety. Kelly was treated for a broken neck, which caused quadriplegia. His death on Dec. 21, 2024, was caused by spinal injury complications, according to the page.

Officer Down Memorial Page

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. — A former Delaware State Police corporal who was injured in the line of duty in 1984 has died from complications of the injury, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly, 69, was severely injured on May 20, 1984, when he and a colleague were training for helicopter takeoffs, according to the page. While landing a practice flight, the helicopter flipped onto its side.

The other DSP officer was able to climb out of the helicopter and pull Kelly to safety. Kelly was treated for a broken neck, which caused quadriplegia. His death on Dec. 21, 2024, was caused by spinal injury complications, according to the page.

Kelly served with DSP for seven years.He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sisters.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com