A tragic accident claimed the life of a Fort Wayne resident in Whitley County, Indiana, on Thursday evening. Shortly after 7:30 p.m., 28-year-old Rolando Aguilera Jr. was involved in a fatal collision at the intersection of U.S. 24 and State Road 114. According to investigators, both vehicles were traveling eastbound on U.S. 24 when Aguilera's car struck the rear of a Mack truck. Tragically, Aguilera was pronounced dead at the scene, while the truck driver escaped without injuries. Multiple emergency response units quickly arrived at the crash site, including the Whitley County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police, Huntington County Sheriff's Department, and both Roanoke Police and Fire Departments, along with the Jefferson Township Fire Department. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to this deadly collision, though no further details about potential contributing factors have been released at this time.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 and State Road 114, a significant junction in Whitley County that serves as a major east-west thoroughfare connecting Fort Wayne to points west. This stretch of U.S. 24 is known for its relatively high speeds and considerable commercial truck traffic, as it functions as an important transportation corridor for the region. The intersection with SR 114 requires drivers to maintain vigilance, especially during evening hours when visibility can be compromised. The area is predominantly rural, situated between the communities of Roanoke and Columbia City, with limited roadside lighting in certain sections. Traffic flow at this intersection can be particularly challenging during peak travel times, as vehicles often maintain highway speeds while navigating the junction.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, families who lose loved ones in motor vehicle accidents may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims, particularly when negligence may be a factor. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be adjusted based on the degree of fault assigned to each party. Survivors typically have two years from the date of the accident to file wrongful death claims under Indiana's statute of limitations. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and non-economic damages for loss of companionship. Insurance considerations in commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple policies, including the commercial carrier's liability coverage and the victim's own auto insurance. Those affected should be aware that trucking accidents frequently involve federal regulations in addition to state laws, which can add complexity to legal proceedings.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Whitley County Sheriff's Department: (260) 244-6410
• Indiana State Police (Fort Wayne Post): (260) 432-8661
• Jefferson Township Fire Department: (260) 244-7777

Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): www.in.gov/indot
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Traffic Safety Division: www.in.gov/cji/traffic-safety

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Indiana Victim Assistance Program: www.in.gov/cji/victim-services
• Whitley County Victim Assistance Program: (260) 244-6470
• Indiana Brain Injury Association: www.biaindiana.org

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title9
• Indiana Commercial Driver's License Information: www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/commercial-driver-licenses