(Steuben County, IN)-The Indiana State Police continues to investigate a single vehicle fatal crash which occurred yesterday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Richard Williams indicated at approximately 4:25 p.m., a 2001 GMC Yukon driven by 27 year old Kevin L. Whipple of Cleveland, Ohio was traveling eastbound in the area of the 142 mile marker, when it traveled from the left lane, across the right lane and off the south side of the road. It is believed that Whipple may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
The vehicle then struck a guardrail before rolling onto its driver side. Johnay R. Miller, 32 from Cleveland, Ohio, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, was ejected and suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Steuben County Coroner's Office. Four others from the vehicle were transported via ambulance to a local hospital. They have been identified as:
- Jerome Sanders, 53 from Cleveland, Ohio (stable condition)
- Jermaine Gageham, 38 from Cleveland, Ohio (treated and released)
- Tyrone Dowdell, 42 from Cleveland, Ohio (treated and released)
- Damon Moore, 40 from Cleveland, Ohio (treated and released)
Whipple was transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center by Samaritan and is listed in critical condition.
This crash remains under investigation. Williams was assisted by the Steuben County Sheriff Department, Steuben County EMS, Samaritan Air Ambulance, Fremont Fire Department and the Steuben County Coroner's Office.
