Bartholomew County-Early this morning, shortly after 3:00 a.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on I-65 southbound near the 57.5 mile marker that resulted in the death of a Seymour man.
The initial investigation by Trooper Michael Thiron indicated that a 2002 Ford Explorer, being driven by Nikson Cribs, age 19, Seymour, Indiana was traveling southbound in the left lane of I-65 at that location. It is believed that he was traveling at an extremely slow speed, possibly due to vehicle trouble. A 2013 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by Coleden Hoeltke, age 21, Columbus, Indiana was also traveling southbound on I-65 when Hoeltke’s vehicle struck the rear of Cribs’ vehicle.
As a result of the collision, Cribs was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office. Hoeltke was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Toxicology results are pending on both drivers however drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash at this time.
The family of Nikson Cribs has been notified.
As a result of the crash, all lanes of southbound I-65 were closed for close to two hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The investigation is ongoing.
Trooper Thiron was assisted by Trooper Brent Lykins, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Columbus Regional EMS, Wayne Township Fire Department, Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, West Towing, and Columbus Towing.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
