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 October 19. Benda was based out of Oelwein.
