Iowa patrol trooper died after swerving to avoid a deer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa State Patrol says a trooper died last month in a crash when he swerved to avoid a deer while speeding to respond to a call. Thirty-seven-year-old Ted Benda, of rural Decorah, crashed Oct. 14 on Highway 51 north of Postville. Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinka said Friday that after Benda swerved, his vehicle lost traction, entered a ditch, hit an embankment and rolled. Benda died Oct. 19. Clayton County officials have not answered questions about the call Benda was responding to when the crash occurred.