WASHINGTON, CO. — A motorcycle accident in Washington County on Thursday, August 28, 2025, left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene on North State Road 39, near the intersection of State Road 256, at approximately 8:13 p.m.
Upon arrival, deputies found a black 2019 Harley Davidson off the west side of the road. The driver, David Anthony Michael Stitzel, 34, of Seymour, and the passenger, Jessica Nicole Sue Pelley, 31, also of Seymour, were involved in the crash.
According to evidence and witness statements, Stitzel was traveling south on State Road 39 when the motorcycle veered off the road and struck a guardrail. Neither Stitzel nor Pelley was wearing a helmet.
The Washington County Ambulance Service transported Stitzel to a landing zone and then airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital by an Air Methods Helicopter for life-threatening injuries. Pelley was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Washington County Coroner’s Office due to injuries sustained in the accident.
An Indiana State Police member was called to the scene to reconstruct the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Deputy Joe Johnson is the lead investigating officer, with assistance from Deputy Seth Goode, Deputy Jason Hartsfield, Trooper Kyle Taylor, Sheriff Brent Miller, the Washington County Ambulance Service, Gibson Township Volunteer Fire Department, and the Washington County Coroner’s Office.
