Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Mishawaka Crash Results in the Death of Kristen Pritchett

MISHAWAKA — A devastating accident occurred at the intersection of East 12th Street and Michigan Avenue late Wednesday afternoon, claiming the life of 36-year-old Kristen Pritchett. The Mishawaka resident was tragically killed in the incident, and now a 22-year-old Mishawaka man, Julius Lee James Jr., is facing charges related to the crash.

Julius Lee James Jr. has been charged with a felony count of causing a death while operating a vehicle under the influence. He is currently being held without bond in the St. Joseph County Jail until his court appearance on Friday.

According to court documents, the Mishawaka Police Department and first responders rushed to the 12th Street-Michigan Avenue intersection at approximately 5:20 PM following reports of a collision. The investigation revealed that Pritchett was driving an eastbound vehicle, while James was driving a westbound vehicle, both in the eastbound lane of the road.

Eyewitnesses reported that James was driving in an unsafe manner prior to the accident. Police stated in court documents that James’ vehicle crossed the center line for unknown reasons and collided head-on with Pritchett’s vehicle.

Despite the efforts of Mishawaka first responders who performed life-saving measures at the scene, Kristen Pritchett tragically succumbed to her injuries. James, on the other hand, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Due to James’ injuries, a field sobriety test was not possible. However, officials obtained a search warrant for a blood test while conducting a urine test as part of his medical care. The urine drug screen revealed the presence of THC, opiates, and fentanyl, according to police.

The St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team is currently investigating the incident. As a result, the road was closed to traffic for several hours to facilitate the investigation.

This tragic accident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence. The loss of Kristen Pritchett’s life has left the community mourning and serves as a call for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Increased Focus on Road Safety

The incident has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of impaired driving laws. Local authorities and community members are advocating for increased awareness campaigns, better education about the dangers of driving under the influence, and more severe penalties for offenders.

By raising public consciousness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving, it is hoped that incidents like this can be prevented and lives can be saved. The Mishawaka community stands united in grief and determination to make the roads safer for everyone.

Supporting the Victim’s Family

As the community mourns the loss of Kristen Pritchett, support for her family and loved ones is pouring in. Local organizations and community members have come together to provide comfort, assistance, and resources to help them cope with this tragic loss.

Efforts are being made to establish a fund to support the family during this difficult time. Donations from concerned individuals and businesses are being gratefully accepted to help alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies such a tragic event.

Further information about how to contribute to the support fund will be made available in the coming days.

Contact Information

For any additional information or inquiries related to this incident, please contact Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at gswiercz@sbtinfo.com.

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