Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision at SR-1 and CR-40 Intersection in DeKalb County, Indiana

Modified Date: 
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 7:29am
Accident Date: 
Saturday, February 1, 2025

One dead after a two-vehicle crash in Dekalb County Saturday

Around 3:15 this afternoon on State Route 1 and County Road 40 a Nissan Rogue failed to yield at the intersection crashing into a Jeep Wrangler.

One dead after DeKalb County car crash

The driver of the Wrangler, Brooke Zeller, and her passenger were treated for wrist and chest pains but were released.

Woman dead after crash in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Indiana State Police, Butler Police, Butler Fire, Concord Fire, Parkview EMS, and Central Communications.

 

A devastating collision on Saturday afternoon claimed the life of an Ohio woman at a rural DeKalb County intersection. At approximately 3:15 PM, a Nissan Rogue driven by 54-year-old Tara Humphrey of Bryan, Ohio, failed to yield at the intersection of State Route 1 and County Road 40, resulting in a collision with a Jeep Wrangler. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Humphrey was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The occupants of the Jeep Wrangler received medical evaluation at the scene and were subsequently released, suggesting their injuries were not severe. First responders, including DeKalb County Sheriff's deputies, emergency medical services, and local fire personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance and secure the area.

The intersection of State Route 1 and County Road 40 is situated in a rural section of DeKalb County, approximately midway between Auburn and Butler. State Route 1 serves as a major north-south corridor in eastern Indiana, connecting several small communities and providing access to Interstate 69. The intersection is controlled by stop signs on County Road 40, requiring cross-traffic to yield to vehicles on State Route 1. This rural crossing typically experiences moderate traffic volumes, with a mix of local residents and commercial vehicles using these routes to access nearby communities and agricultural areas.

Under Indiana law, failure to yield accidents fall under specific statutes governing right-of-way at intersections. In such cases, liability typically centers on determining whether drivers properly observed traffic control devices and exercised due caution. Indiana's comparative fault system may affect compensation in accidents where multiple parties share responsibility. Victims or their families generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Insurance claims typically involve both drivers' insurance providers, with potential coverage from uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

Related Resources:

  • DeKalb County Sheriff's Department: (260) 925-3365
  • DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services: (260) 925-2362
  • Indiana State Police Toll Road Post: (574) 206-2931
  • Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District
  • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Crash Reports
  • Indiana State Police Victim Services Division
  • Indiana Code Title 9: Motor Vehicles (Traffic Regulations)
  • DeKalb County Highway Department
Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Tara Humphrey