The rural communities of Wingate and Newtown/Mellott in Indiana are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Justin Todd Hurd, who tragically passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 32, as a result of injuries sustained in a devastating motorcycle accident involving a school bus on State Road 28 in Tippecanoe County. His sudden and untimely death has left family members, friends, fellow first responders, and residents of the community devastated, as they come together to remember a man whose life was defined by unwavering service, compassion, faith, and a deep dedication to helping others.
Justin was born on June 15, 1993, in Lafayette, Indiana, and was the beloved son of Joey Hurd and Amy Crane Hockenbury. From an early age, he was known for his quiet strength, dependable nature, and a willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed. A 2012 graduate of Fountain Central High School, Justin demonstrated a profound commitment to his community from a young age, embodying the values of service and kindness.
During his senior year, shortly after turning 18, Justin joined the Mellott Fire Department, embarking on a lifelong journey of public service that would become one of the most defining aspects of his life. He remained a proud and active member of the department for many years, eventually serving as Fire Chief. Justin’s dedication extended beyond Mellott Fire Department; he was also a valued member of Coal Creek Fire & Rescue. Fellow firefighters and emergency personnel remember him as someone who never hesitated to answer a call for help, always arriving promptly and ready to serve his community with steadfast resolve. When emergency tones sounded, Justin was often among the first to respond, embodying the true spirit of a first responder.
Driven by his passion for helping others, Justin earned his Advanced EMT certification and spent the last six years working full-time with Fountain County EMS. His coworkers describe him as compassionate, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to providing the best possible care to those in need. Before committing to emergency medical services, he worked for Ceres Solutions and ARCONIC in Lafayette, demonstrating his strong work ethic and dedication in every role he undertook.
Beyond his professional life, Justin’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted father to his children—Kip, Kori, and Kodi Hurd—and cherished every moment spent with them. Whether coaching their baseball teams, attending school events, or simply enjoying quality time together, Justin was a loving and present father who prioritized his children’s happiness and well-being. His faith also played an important role in his life; he was an active member of Sterling Christian Church, where he found strength and community in his beliefs.
Friends and loved ones fondly remember Justin for his kind and compassionate spirit. Though naturally reserved, he was a loyal friend, a thoughtful listener, and someone who consistently showed up for those he cared about. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as deer and coon hunting, fishing, and helping Dillon Cunningham on the farm—finding peace and fulfillment in nature and in time spent with friends and family.
Justin leaves behind a large, loving family, including his parents, siblings, grandparents, his girlfriend Rae-Ann Bushong and her daughter Tinsley, as well as nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and countless friends and colleagues. His presence in their lives was a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration, and his memory will forever be cherished.
As the community mourns this tremendous loss, many are honoring Justin not only for his service as a firefighter and EMT but also for the love, kindness, and dedication he brought into every aspect of his life. His impact on the people and communities he served will never be forgotten, and his legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire those who knew him.
Justin Todd Hurd will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always honored as a true hero and a loving soul whose life touched so many. The community’s heart goes out to his family and friends during this difficult time, and his memory will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know him.