SOLSBERRY – On Friday, September 22, 2023, Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of 9779 West State Road 45 near the Greene County line after a report of a person injured while riding on a tractor.
Upon their arrival, police determined that Larry Martindale of Solsberry was riding on a John Deere tractor showing the property to the driver that needed to be mowed. Justin Ratliff was driving the tractor when the tractor hit a large ditch and threw Martindale off the vehicle.
As a result, Martindale landed in the ditch and the tractor drove over him. Martindale later died from his injuries.
This accident remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted by Indiana State Police, Monroe Fire Protection District, and IU Health Ambulance
Service.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office sends its condolences to all the families and community members
affected by this tragedy.
