LEBANON, Ind. — The family of an Indiana National Guardsman who was killed in a crash in Boone County is accusing U.S. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Indiana) of using his death as a "political prop."

Specialist Terry Frye, 23, of Lafayette, was killed in a crash on Interstate 65 near Whitestown on Friday, Nov. 14.

On Monday, Nov. 17, Banks posted on X claiming Frye's "life was cut short on I-65 by an illegal who never should’ve been here in the first place."

The following day, Frye's family sent a statement to 13News saying:

"Senator Banks,

On behalf of Terry Frye’s family, we need to make something absolutely clear: Terry’s death is not a political prop. He was a son, a father, a soldier, and a deeply loved member of our family long before he was a headline. Turning the worst moment of our lives

See Full Page