Fatal Crash on Interstate 69 Claims the Lives of Victoria Elaine Cox and Evan Daniel Cox

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragic Accident Claims Two Lives on Interstate 69 near Daleville Exit

DALEVILLE — A devastating accident occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 69 near the 234-mile marker (Daleville exit), resulting in the loss of two lives. The Indiana State Police Pendleton District is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

Madison County dispatch received a distressing call at approximately 2:30 a.m., reporting a head-on collision in the southbound lanes of I-69 at the 234 mile marker. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to find multiple vehicles severely damaged, obstructing the flow of traffic on the southbound lanes.

Initial findings from the investigation revealed that a silver Kia Forte was inexplicably traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-69 when it collided head-on with a white Chevrolet Malibu. The impact of the crash caused the engine of the Kia to detach and come to rest in the left lane of I-69. Tragically, a silver Volkswagen then struck the engine on the roadway. As a result of the initial collision, the Kia also collided with a southbound semi-tractor-trailer before coming to an uncontrolled stop.

The Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene pronounced both the driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Malibu dead at the scene. The victims have been identified as Victoria Elaine Cox, 32, and Evan Daniel Cox, 26, both hailing from Fort Wayne.

The driver of the Kia, Walter Saucedo-Mendoza, 30, from Indianapolis, sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later airlifted to a hospital in the Indianapolis area for further medical attention.

Thankfully, the drivers of the Volkswagen and the semi-tractor-trailer escaped the accident unscathed. However, authorities suspect that alcohol may have played a role in this tragic incident, further highlighting the importance of responsible driving.

As part of the investigation and to facilitate the removal of the involved vehicles, the southbound lanes of I-69 were closed for approximately 4 1/2 hours. The Indiana State Police received invaluable assistance from various law enforcement agencies and emergency services, including the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Daleville Police Department, Chesterfield Police Department, Salem Township Fire Department, Delaware County EMS, and Northwest Towing.

This heartbreaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from impaired driving. The Indiana State Police Pendleton District is dedicated to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant while adhering to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on our roads..