Indianapolis, IN – This afternoon, at 1:25 p.m., Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter alerted dispatch of a serious crash he had come upon on U.S. 40 just east of Carroll Road in Hancock County. Emergency crews were called to the scene and Superintendent Carter rendered aid to the victims until medics arrived. Despite life saving efforts, 64 year old Jeffrey Denton of New Palestine Indiana was pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital. Two occupants in another vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Indiana State Police Crash Reconstructionists responded to the scene to investigate the crash. Preliminary investigation at the scene revealed Mr. Denton, who was driving a silver Chrysler, was westbound when he crossed the center line into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2019 Dodge Journey. The Dodge Journey then overturned and came to rest on its top. The silver Chrysler continued across the eastbound lanes and into a deep ditch on the south side of U.S. 40.
The cause of this crash is still under investigation, pursuant to Indiana Law both drivers were tested for intoxication, however the results of those tests are pending. The eastbound lanes of U.S. 40 were closed until 4:00 p.m. while the crash was investigated.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the Cumberland Police Department and the Sugar Creek Fire Department.
