Spencer County: A Monday night crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer resulted in the death of two Perry County women.
Around 9:16 P.M. Central Time, Violet E. Patterson, 67, Cannelton, was traveling east on State Road 70, just east of Chrisney, in a 2003 Toyota Echo. As Patterson was approaching US 231, she crossed the southbound lanes but did not stop in the paved section of median before proceeding across the northbound lanes. As Patterson crossed the northbound lanes, Patterson drove into the path of a 2001 Kenworth Truck, hauling a 38,000 pound coil of steel. The driver, Billy Ray Widener, 37, Marion, NC, did not have time to react or attempt to avoid striking Patterson’s Toyota. The crash pushed the Toyota north through the intersection and over posted highway signs.
Patterson and her passenger, Velma L. Bolin, Cannelton, were both pronounced dead at the scene by the Spencer County Coroner. Widener was transported to Owensboro Health in Owensboro, Kentucky for evaluation.
The northbound lanes of US 231 were closed for two and a half hours while State Police investigated the crash. The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Chrisney and Grandview Fire Departments, and the Spencer County Coroner’s Office.
Investigated by: Trooper Kaitlyn Greene, Sergeant Philip Hensley
Deceased (Family Notified)
Violet E. Patterson, 67
125 South 4th Street, Apt 111, Cannelton, IN
Velma L. Bolin
125 South 4th Street, Apt 113, Cannelton, IN
-30-
HENSLEY
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
