Crime & Public Safety
Fatal rear-end collision on I-69 near Lima Road in Fort Wayne identified as accidental by coroner
A fatal rear-end crash on northbound Interstate 69 near the Lima Road exit in Fort Wayne left one person dead and three others hurt, according to local investigators. The Allen County Coroner’s Office has identified the person who died and ruled the death accidental; the highway collision occurred when a vehicle stopped in the travel lanes without lights activated was struck from behind.
Police say the crash occurred Thursday night on northbound I-69 between the Coldwater and Lima Road exits. First responders extricated the driver of the struck vehicle, who was taken to a hospital and later died. Officials also transported one man, another woman, and a chld to area hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The Allen County Coroner’s Office announced the identification and the manner of death, and law enforcement investigators stated they believe alcohol was a contributing factor. Agency statements characterize the role of alcohol as investigative information rather than a judicial finding; the coroner’s determination addresses manner but not criminal culpability.
The collision remains under investigation by local law enforcement. At this time agencies have not documented charges or cited specific speed or impairment test results publicly. Roadway motorists should expect that investigators will continue to examine vehicle positions, witness accounts, and toxicology and will update the public when formal findings or actions are completed.
More Allen County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.