SEYMOUR – Recently, the drivers of both vehicles involved in the August crash that led to the death of Ashlea Albertson, 24, of Greenfield, Indiana, were arrested.
The investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that on August 18, 2023, a black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, being driven by 22-year-old Austin Cooper of Austin, was traveling north in the right lane of I-65 near the 48-mile marker.
A white 2018 GMC Terrain, driven by Jacob Kelly, 31, of Indianapolis, was traveling north in the left lane of I-65 at the same location.
Evidence from the scene, including video footage of another vehicle, indicated that the two drivers began accelerating rapidly and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass.
Cooper’s vehicle then began to change lanes into Kelly’s vehicle’s path. Jacob Kelly lost control of his vehicle and spun, which resulted in the two vehicles colliding in the middle of the northbound lanes. Kelly’s vehicle rolled, which resulted in his female passenger, Albertson, being ejected from the vehicle.
Cooper’s vehicle left the east side of the roadway and came to rest in a field.
Kelly and Albertson were flown from the scene to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment.
After arriving at the hospital, Albertson died from her injuries.
Kelly was treated for injuries and later released from the hospital.
Albertson has been a competitive race car driver since 2011, when she began driving quarter midgets at the Kokomo Quarter Midget Club and occasionally at Mini Indy. In 2014, she switched to the Kenyon Midget Series, driving a Kenyon midget, eventually landing in the All-Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midget series in 2017. Ashlea logged several feature wins and many podium finishes while driving a car sponsored by Tony Stewart Racing. She was in fourth place in points this season and was aiming to achieve her goal of a series win. Ashlea often visited the grandstands to meet with fans, provide hero cards, and pose for pictures. She often worked with other mechanics on her own race car and strategized about future races. Ashlea was known to be a consistent and competitive driver. The race track was her favorite place to be.
Cooper and a juvenile passenger in his vehicle were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where they were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
The post-crash investigation determined that the vehicles traveled next to each other when both drivers accelerated to speeds more than 90 miles per hour during the crash.
Toxicology results were obtained on both drivers after the crash. The results of those tests indicated that Austin Cooper had THC in his system when the crash occurred.
After the investigation, the case was presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review. As a result, Austin Cooper was charged with causing death when operating a motor vehicle with a controlled substance, Level 4 Felony, and reckless homicide, Level 5 felony.
Jacob Kelly was charged with reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony.
On Monday, November 27, Jacob Kelly was arrested without incident in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On Tuesday, November 28, Austin Cooper, who lives in Morganfield, Kentucky, turned himself in at the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown.
Both individuals will soon have initial appearances in the Jackson County Circuit Court.
