New Castle woman dies in a farming accident

NEW CASTLE – On Friday, April 16, the Indiana State Police responded to a rural Henry County farm to investigate the death of a New Castle woman.

Investigators learned that 81-year-old James Smith, and 76-year-old Barbara Smith, were offloading corn from a grain bin located on their farm at 4808 West State Road 234. At approximately 2 p.m. James Smith called 911 and reported he was unable to locate his wife and believed she may have been trapped inside the grain bin.

First responders searched for two hours before they located Barbara Smith inside the grain bin, which contained between eight to ten feet of corn.

She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Henry County Coroner.

The Indiana State Police will follow up with the Henry County Coroner’s office when further information if made available.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Coroner’s Officer, and Fire Departments from New Castle, Jefferson Twp. (Sulphur Springs), Harrison Twp. (Cadiz), Adams Twp. (Markleville), Greensboro, Kennard, and Shirley.