EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A lawsuit filed in Vanderburgh County alleges that a fatal training exercise, known as “the big fight,” directly contributed to the death of Deputy Asson Hacker, a sheriff’s deputy. The legal action, initiated by Hacker’s widow, claims negligence in the handling of the training and immediate medical response which might have prevented his untimely death.
“The big fight” training exercise, designed to test law enforcement trainees’ physical capabilities in handling real-life confrontations, reportedly became tragic when Hacker, participating along with other trainees, collapsed and did not receive timely medical assistance. The practice is compulsory for trainee officers throughout southwest Indiana, intended to prepare them for potential physical altercations on duty.
During the episode in March 2023 at the Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Deputy Hacker was captured on video engaging physically with another officer, after which he was seen lying on his back, visibly distressed. Observers and the lawsuit claim there were apparent signs that Hacker needed urgent medical help—help that arrived too late.
Medical assessments post-incident revealed that Hacker’s death was due to complications from a sickle cell trait, an inherited blood disorder that can exacerbate physical stress, particularly in strenuous activities. The lawsuit posits that inadequate medical preparedness for such known risks during intense exercises was a factor in Hacker’s death.
While the prosecutor has chosen not to pursue criminal charges, the family seeks monetary compensation and a jury trial to address the grievances related to the alleged negligence.
Sheriff Noah Robinson of Vanderburgh County, while not named in the suit, expressed sorrow over Hacker’s death. In a statement, Robinson conveyed the deep impact of Hacker’s loss on the community and his office, assuring that his team is watching the developments of the suit closely. He hinted at discrepancies in the filed allegations, suggesting that the defense will robustly challenge the claims to clarify the circumstances in court.
The incident and subsequent lawsuit underscore ongoing debates around the rigor and safety of law enforcement training programs. They also call attention to the need for adequate medical oversight when known medical conditions, such as the sickle cell trait, may put individuals at higher risk during physically demanding training. The legal battle ahead is likely to set precedents regarding safety protocols and accountability in law enforcement training arenas.
As the community mourns a beloved officer, the discussions stimulated by this case may influence local and regional training practices, hopefully steering them toward safer, more conscientious procedures that consider the varied medical profiles of law enforcement personnel. This tragic event not only highlights the potential dangers of rigorous training programs but also the imperative for law enforcement agencies to uphold the highest standards of care and preparedness.