Columbus-Yesterday, at approximately 11:50 pm, the Indiana State Police and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department responded to a three vehicle crash at the intersection of Marr Road and County Road 550 North in Bartholomew County that claimed the life of a seventeen year old Columbus youth.
The initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley indicated that a 2001 Pontiac passenger car being driven by Keegan L. Phillips, age 17, Columbus, Indiana was traveling eastbound on County Road 550 North, approaching the intersection of Marr Road. The investigation determined Phillips initially stopped at the stop sign located at the intersection before pulling into the path of a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer being driven by Sheila I. Lee, age 47, Columbus, Indiana that was traveling southbound on Marr Road. The collision then forced Lee’s vehicle into the path of a 2004 Toyota Rav4 being driven by Amy M. Fetter, age 44, Columbus, Indiana that was traveling northbound on Marr Road.
As a result of the collision, Phillips sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bartholomew County Coroner. Three passengers and Columbus residents in Phillips’ vehicle, Blake Sinclair, age 18, Rachel Turner, age 18, and Tierra Miller, age 19, were all transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with serious injuries. Miller’s injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Lee and Fetter were both treated for minor injuries at Columbus Regional Hospital.
It is unclear at this time why Phillips pulled into the path of Lee’s vehicle. Vehicles traveling on Marr Road at that location have the right of way and are not required to stop. It is unclear if drugs, alcohol, or speed played a role in the crash. It is also unclear if seatbelts were used by all participants. The investigation is ongoing.
Trp. Holley was assisted at the scene by other troopers with the Indiana State Police, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Clifford and Columbus Fire Departments, Columbus Regional Hospital EMS, the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, and Lifeline Helicopter.
Attached: Photos of Crash Scene
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
