Three young people are dead and a fourth is badly hurt after a single-vehicle crash on a rural Grant County road yesterday afternoon, according to local officials. The car ran off County Road 600 South near County Road 1150 East and hit a tree shortly after 12:15 p.m. Emergency crews pronounced three occupants dead at the scene and airlifted a fourth to a nearby hospital. Authorities said next-of-kin notifications have been made as investigators continue an active probe into what led up to the crash.
What Happened
Preliminary information from the Indiana State Police indicates that a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, driven eastbound by 23-year-old Alexander McGuin of Gas City, left the roadway and struck a tree, according to WRTV. Troopers were called to the rural stretch of County Road 600 South shortly after 12:15 p.m. and found the vehicle off the road, resting against a tree. The crash drew multiple local emergency agencies to the scene to assist.
Victims Identified
The Grant County Coroner pronounced McGuin, 23, James M. Clark Jr., 21, of Dunkirk, and 19-year-old Gracelynn N. Daniels of New Castle dead at the scene, 21Alive reported. A fourth occupant, 22-year-old Michael L. Reading of Hartford City, was flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital with severe injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. Agencies responding included the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor University Police, Van Buren Police and several volunteer fire departments.
Investigation and Contributing Factors
The Indiana State Police are leading the investigation. Early findings point to speed and the suspected consumption of alcohol and or narcotics as contributing factors, according to a post from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said next-of-kin notifications were completed and that investigators will continue gathering evidence and conducting testing as part of the active case.
What Officials Say Next
No arrests or criminal charges have been announced while the Indiana State Police continue their work, WRTV reports. Officials have asked anyone who was in the area around midday Monday, or who may have dash-cam or phone video from that time, to contact state police or the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
