CENTERVILLE – On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at approximately 4: 45 p.m., Indiana State Troopers Josh Bayly and Trooper Jacob Ridgeway were dispatched to a serious crash on Pottershop Road west of Creek Road near Centerville, Indiana. When they arrived, it was determined the crash involved three vehicles.
A preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police Reconstruction Team determined a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Samuel Weller, 47, of Liberty, Indiana was traveling west on Pottershop Road. At the same time, a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan operated by Ericka Lundy, 51, of Richmond, Indiana was traveling east on Pottershop Road. The Dodge Caravan was followed by a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox operated by Rafael Lopez, 27, of Richmond, Indiana.
As the two vehicles approached a hill, the Equinox began to pass the Caravan in a marked, no-passing zone for eastbound traffic. During the illegal pass, the Equinox collided head-on with the motorcycle causing Samuel Weller to be thrown from the vehicle. After the collision, debris from the Kawasaki and the Equinox struck the left side of the Caravan causing damage to it.
When Trooper Bayly arrived, he began to provide medical assistance to Samuel Weller, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Wayne County Coroner James Jones.
Both Ericka Lundy and Rafael Lopez did not sustain any injuries during the crash.
Trooper Ridgeway transported Rafael Lopez to Reed Hospital in Richmond, Indiana to submit to a certified chemical test per the Indiana Implied Consent Law. During any serious bodily injury or fatal crash, operators of vehicles are required by law to submit to a chemical test. It was determined that Lopez was operating a vehicle without a valid Indiana driver’s license.
The investigation is ongoing, and when it is completed, all reports will be submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor for further review.
Pottershop Road was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was being investigated.
Assisting with the crash were Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Reed EMS, Abington Fire Department, Centerville Fire Department, Stamper Towing, and Wayne County Coroner James Jones.
