Two-vehicle crash claims a life

TIPTON CO. – On Friday, January 19, just before 8:30 a.m., the Indiana State Police and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on State Road 28 near South County Road 250 E in Hobbs, IN.

A preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Ron Fisher revealed that a 2010 Ford F-150, driven by Christopher L. Wallace, 34, Elwood, IN, was traveling east on State Road 28. The Ford slid sideways into the westbound travel lane for an undetermined reason.

At that time, a 2006 Peterbilt semi, driven by James E. Nickerson, 55, from Atlanta, IN, was traveling west on State Road 28. The Peterbilt struck the passenger side of the Ford, causing the Ford to come to a final rest in the field on the northeast side of State Road 28. The Peterbilt came to a final rest on State Road 28, covering both lanes. 

The driver of the Ford was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Tipton County Coroner. The Tipton County Coroner has identified the passenger of the Ford to be Vince D. Reynolds, 33, from Elwood, IN, and the next of kin has been notified.

Nickerson was uninjured in the crash.

There is no further information to release at this time.

Master Trooper Fisher was assisted on the scene by Troopers from the Peru Post, Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Tipton County Coroner, Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Tipton Fire Department, Medic 81, Tipton County EMA, and Paddack’s Towing.