DEARBORN COUNTY – Early Sunday, at approximately 3:30 am, Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began investigating a two-vehicle crash on US 52 in northern Dearborn County, Indiana, that claimed the lives of two Ohio residents and sent three others to area hospitals for treatment of injuries.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a 2020 Honda Civic, being driven by Kelis Manuel, 22, Fairfield, Ohio, was traveling westbound on US 52, just west of State Road 46. In a no-passing zone, Manuel attempted to pass a 2006 Dodge Ram, pulling a utility trailer. Manuel’s vehicle collided head-on with a 2021 Volvo Semi, pulling a box trailer, being driven by Jimmy Davis, age 49, Cincinnati, Ohio, that was traveling eastbound on US 52.Â
Davis’ vehicle came to rest in the middle of US 52. Manuel’s vehicle left the south side of the roadway and came to rest. Davis was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Manuel and an unidentified rear passenger in her vehicle were transported to Cincinnati area hospitals for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Tragically, a front seat passenger in Kelis Manuel’s vehicle, identified as Kimora Manuel, 21, Cincinnati, Ohio, and a rear seat passenger, Le’Marea Holmes, 22, Cincinnati, Ohio, both lost their lives in the crash. They were both pronounced deceased on the scene by the Dearborn County Coroner’s Office.
The families of Kimora Manuel and Le’Marea Holmes have been notified.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Toxicology tests are pending. Heavy rain in the area at the time may also have been a contributing factor.
The investigation remains ongoing.
