WASHINGTON CO.– A Pekin man lost his life Monday morning following a two-vehicle, head-on collision south of Salem.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene on State Road 135 between Purlee Road and Vincennes Trail Road at approximately 9:45 a.m. on December 15. Due to the severity of the accident, Indiana State Police crash reconstruction officers were called in to lead the ongoing investigation.
According to preliminary findings from investigators, a red 2005 Ford Focus was traveling south on SR 135 when it crossed the centerline for unknown reasons.
The Ford Focus struck a northbound silver 2023 Chevrolet Silverado head-on.
The driver of the Ford Focus, identified as Donald L. Floyd, 65, of Pekin, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Washington County Coroner.
The driver of the Silverado, Brian A. Churchill, 64, of Depauw, sustained minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital via personal vehicle for treatment. Both men were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused Floyd’s vehicle to veer into the oncoming lane. State Road 135 remained under investigation for several hours as reconstruction teams mapped the scene.
Officials noted that toxicology reports are currently pending, which is standard procedure in fatal accidents. No further details have been released at this time.
