Indiana police detective Larry Crenshaw died on Sunday (October 4) after he was attacked by over 40 hornets while in the woods with a friend. He was 59.
As per his obituary, Crenshaw, who worked as a detective and police chief for the Anderson Police Department, passed away at Rush Memorial Hospital in Rushville after the unexpected accident. Rush County Coroner Ron Jarman spoke to PEOPLE about the tragedy, revealing that Crenshaw was removing a tree stand with a friend in the woods when the two were attacked by the hornets.
"Larry was stung over 40 times and shortly after began to have issues with shortness of breath and collapsed in the woods," Jarman explained. The friend did not have a phone and took to 7051 Pipe Creek to call 911. Once Crenshaw was transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. His death was ruled accidental and deemed a result of a heart attack caused by an allergic reaction. "This was a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Crenshaw family and friends," Jarman continued.
Meanwhile, Crenshaw's friend reportedly survived the attack, as per The Herald Bulletin. His condition has not been made public.
Crenshaw was a veteran of the police department for 26 years, serving as chief from 2012 to 2015. He was reportedly working as a detective in the investigations department at the time of death.
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