A Sunday drive on U.S. 31 north of Rochester turned deadly when an 84-year-old Michigan woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash that shut down the highway and drew a major emergency response. The collision happened around 4 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 31 and County Road 450 North, where investigators say both drivers have now been identified. One was taken to a nearby hospital, and the other was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crash details
According to 95.3 MNC, the crash unfolded when a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro driven by 42-year-old April Jones of Indianapolis entered the intersection and collided with a 2016 Subaru Forester. The Subaru was turning onto southbound U.S. 31 from County Road 450 North when the impact occurred. Jones was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in stable condition as crews worked the crash scene and kept the highway closed.
Victim identified
The woman who died has been identified as Donna Brucker of Norton Shores, Michigan, and the Fulton County Coroner pronounced her dead at the scene, according to WNDU. Investigators have said they do not currently suspect alcohol or narcotics were factors in the collision, and Brucker’s family has been notified.
Investigation ongoing
The Indiana State Police say the crash remains under active investigation as troopers work to sort out the sequence of events that led up to the impact, per 95.3 MNC. Authorities have not released word on any potential charges or given a timeline for when a final report might be made public.
Local road safety
This stretch of U.S. 31 has already seen its share of trouble in recent months. A separate multi-vehicle wreck sent five people, including three children, to the hospital, as reported by WRTV. That earlier crash, combined with this week’s fatal collision, has renewed attention from troopers and local first responders on highway safety along the corridor.
Indiana State Police and the Fulton County Coroner's Office responded to the scene, and troopers are asking anyone who may have information about the crash to contact the Peru post of the Indiana State Police. This story will be updated if state police or the coroner release additional details.
