PUTNAM CO. – The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is investigating a crash between a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck that occurred on August 7, 2024, at the junction of US 40 and State Road 240, claiming the life of one individual.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Hunter McCord indicated that at approximately 4:20 p.m., a 2004 Lexus driven by Kent Smith, age 67, of Coatesville, Indiana, was attempting to go eastbound on US 40 from southbound State Road 240. Smith failed to observe a 2021 Ford pickup truck traveling westbound on US 40 driven by Charlie Slicer Jr., 59, of Quincy, Indiana. Slicer attempted an evasive driving maneuver but was unable to avoid the collision. The force of the collision caused the Lexus to travel off the roadway, rolling over on its top and coming to a stop.
As a result of the crash, Smith sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Putnam Coroner’s Office. His family has been notified.
Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the accident.
Assisting Agencies: Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County EMS, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, and Curtis Wrecker Service.
