Clay County—This evening at 5:50, Indiana State Police and Clay County emergency agencies responded to a rollover crash in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 22 mile marker. The male driver was ejected and trapped under the vehicle. He was later pronounced deceased at St. Vincent-Clay Hospital.
Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound 2000 Toyota Tundra, driven by the deceased, appeared to have suddenly veered off onto the emergency shoulder. The Toyota appears to have veered back across the westbound lanes, rolling over multiple times ejecting the driver. The Toyota came to rest on top of the driver near the median and white fog line area. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Oberholtzer and medical personnel from CARE ambulance arrived on the scene first. Deputy Oberholtzer utilized his car jack to elevate the pickup truck allowing first responders to extricate the driver. The victim was transported by ground to St. Vincent-Clay Hospital in Brazil and later succumbed to his injuries.
Troopers are investigating the possibility that the Toyota pickup made contact with another vehicle prior to the crash. Witnesses reported that a straight cargo truck and the Toyota pickup both appeared to be operating somewhat erratically prior to the Toyota rolling over. The investigation is ongoing.
An autopsy is scheduled to tomorrow. The name will be released pending notification of relatives.
The crash was investigated by Trooper Nicole Cheeks. Assisting were ISP Troopers Brian Thomas, Yan Dravigne, Tim Rader, and Sergeant Joe Watts, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Coroner’s Office, Posey Township Fire/Rescue, Jackson Township Fire/Rescue, CARE ambulance, AirEvac, and Lambert’s Towing.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
-30-
WATTS
