VIGO CO. – On Friday, March 14, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Putnamville troopers were dispatched to the Indiana State Police weigh station on I-70, which is located at the Indiana/Illinois state line, about a welfare check due to a trucking company unable to make contact with a driver.
Upon the troopers’ arrival, they could not get an answer at the door of the semi. This is when they made entry into the semi and discovered a deceased male. Initial investigation indicates there were no signs of self-harm or foul play.
The Vigo County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the deceased male as Ernest N. Rhodes, 52, of Fordland, Missouri.
An autopsy has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15th, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
Investigating Officers: Indiana State Police Trooper Rondell Shelton, assisted by Troopers Brian Thomas, Angie Hahn, Erik Smith, Don Curtis, and Sergeant Tim Rader.
There is no further information to release at this time.
Assisting Agencies: Vigo County Coroner’s Office and Edington’s Wrecker Service.
