Semi Rear Ends Family Van Leaving Two Children Deceased

Putnam County— Indiana State Police responded to a semi crash on I-70 near the 45.5 mile marker.

 Preliminary investigation revealed a 2011 Volvo semi was East Bound on I-70, and for unknown reasons lost control near the 45.5 mile marker. The semi then left the roadway striking the guard rail. The semi was driven by a 59 year old male from Colorado. The driver was transported to the Putnam County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow at Terre Haute Regional Hospital at 1:00 PM.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.

 Name of deceased will not be released until family has been notified.

 The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper DuJuan McFadden. Assisting were ISP Trooper Yan Dravigne and Sergeant Chris Wright.

Clay County—Clay County Coroner Nick French, along with Clay County Deputy Coroner Amy Shelton and the Indiana State Police, are releasing the names of the victims involved in a semi fatal crash on westbound Interstate 70 near the 16 mile marker.

The driver and mother is Christina Bereda, age 33, of Beaver Creek, Ohio. She was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Her three-year-old son Jordan Bereda is currently hospitalized at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Deceased: One-year-old Finley Bereda and five-year-old Brennen Bereda.

Child restraint seats were in use. The family was traveling from Ohio to Missouri.

If any new developments arise, they will be released in a timely manner.

Questions for the Clay Coroner’s Office should be directed to that agency at 812-446-2535.

Questions about the crash investigation and/or the Indiana State Police should directed to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.