News Release: Fatal Car Crash

SUBJECT: Crash: US Hwy 41/Rusher Creek Rd

RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-010

CONTACT: Sgt Jim Boyd

AUTHORITY: Sheriff Eric Williams

 

On today’s date, at approximately 9:30 a.m., The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to southbound US Hwy 41 at Rusher Creek Rd for a crash with Injuries. Upon arrival deputies found there were two vehicles involved; a grey 2005 Buick Century driven by 67 year old Donna K. McIntire and a blue, 1999, Ford F-350 pick-up driven by 28 year old Dennis R. Vieira. The F350 pick-up was pulling a car hauler type trailer with two vehicles onboard.

 

It appeared in the initial investigation that the Buick Century was headed Southbound on Hwy 41 just north of Rusher Creek Rd just before the accident. The Ford F-350 pick-up was stopped for a red light facing southbound on Hwy 41 at the intersection of Hwy 41 and Rusher Creek Rd. The Buick Century rear-ended the trailer that the Ford F-350 was pulling. It appeared as though the driver of the Buick Century at the last minute before impact, attempted to swerve to the left to avoid the collision, but was unsuccessful. There were no tire skid marks left on the roadway by Buick Century. The Buick Century crashed into the trailer the F-350 was pulling on the front passenger side door. Extrication was required on both the driver of Buick and her passenger. Both the driver and passenger were transported to Deaconess Hospital for their injuries. The passenger of the Buick Century later died from her injuries sustained in the accident.  Name of the passenger is being withheld pending family notification.

 

The driver and passenger of the Ford F-350 were not seriously injured: however, the driver was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for complaints of pain and for examination. The passenger of the F-350 refused medical treatment on scene. Southbound Hwy 41 at Rusher Creek Rd was only opened to one lane of traffic for approximately 2 hours. At this time is does not appear as though alcohol or drugs were a factor. The accident is still under investigation.