A Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Centerton Police Department captain has died following an explosion at his farm, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.In a statement released Sunday, the sheriff’s office said deputies responded during the early evening hours of May 30 to an incident at the residence of Capt. Chris Kelley in the Gravette area of Benton County.According to the sheriff’s office, Kelley was working on his farm when an explosion occurred, causing serious injuries. Authorities said he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from those injuries.The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said the incident remains under investigation and that no additional details are being released at this time.Kelley served as a longtime reserve lieutenant with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and was a captain with the Centerton Police Department.”His passing is a tremendous loss to the law enforcement community and all who knew him,” the sheriff’s office said in its statement.The agency described Kelley as a respected leader, mentor and public servant who dedicated many years to serving his community.”Our law enforcement family is mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man,” the sheriff’s office said. “After many years of dedicated service, Chris leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, integrity, and selfless service.”According to the sheriff’s office, Kelley was known throughout his career for treating others with respect and earning the admiration of colleagues, friends and community members alike.”He was more than a badge and a uniform—he was a respected leader, trusted mentor, loyal friend, devoted husband, and dedicated public servant,” the statement said.The sheriff’s office said Kelley’s influence extended far beyond law enforcement and that his legacy will continue through the people he mentored and the communities he served.The Benton County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Kelley’s family, friends and fellow officers.”We ask the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” the agency said.No information regarding funeral arrangements has been released.

CENTERTON, Ark. —

A Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Centerton Police Department captain has died following an explosion at his farm, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

In a statement released Sunday, the sheriff’s office said deputies responded during the early evening hours of May 30 to an incident at the residence of Capt. Chris Kelley in the Gravette area of Benton County.

According to the sheriff’s office, Kelley was working on his farm when an explosion occurred, causing serious injuries. Authorities said he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from those injuries.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said the incident remains under investigation and that no additional details are being released at this time.

Kelley served as a longtime reserve lieutenant with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and was a captain with the Centerton Police Department.

“His passing is a tremendous loss to the law enforcement community and all who knew him,” the sheriff’s office said in its statement.

The agency described Kelley as a respected leader, mentor and public servant who dedicated many years to serving his community.

“Our law enforcement family is mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man,” the sheriff’s office said. “After many years of dedicated service, Chris leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, integrity, and selfless service.”

According to the sheriff’s office, Kelley was known throughout his career for treating others with respect and earning the admiration of colleagues, friends and community members alike.

“He was more than a badge and a uniform—he was a respected leader, trusted mentor, loyal friend, devoted husband, and dedicated public servant,” the statement said.

The sheriff’s office said Kelley’s influence extended far beyond law enforcement and that his legacy will continue through the people he mentored and the communities he served.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Kelley’s family, friends and fellow officers.

“We ask the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” the agency said.

No information regarding funeral arrangements has been released.