Daniel Lamar Preston, 33, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on I-469 to I-69 Ramp in Allen County, Indiana

Modified Date: 
Wed, 06/04/2025 - 2:28pm
Accident Date: 
Saturday, May 31, 2025

One dead, ejected from vehicle on I-469

Officers with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the ramp from westbound I-469 to northbound I-69 just after 6:30 p.m.

Coroner identifies driver thrown from SUV in crash on I-469

He was identified as Daniel Lamar Preston, 33, from Fort Wayne.

 

On Saturday evening, a tragic single-vehicle accident claimed the life of a lone driver on the interchange ramp connecting westbound I-469 to northbound I-69 in Allen County, Indiana. Emergency services were alerted just after 6:30 p.m. when the crash occurred, prompting an immediate response from the Allen County Sheriff's Department. Responding officers and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene to find the driver had been ejected from his vehicle and was lying on the ground. Despite immediate and intensive lifesaving efforts by first responders, the driver was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The crash involved only the driver's vehicle, and no other parties were involved in the incident. The Allen County Sheriff's Department has initiated an active investigation, with the identity of the deceased driver to be released at a later time by the Allen County Coroner's Office.

The accident location at the I-469 westbound to I-69 northbound ramp is a critical intersection within Allen County's highway system. This particular interchange is a key connector in the region's transportation infrastructure, typically experiencing moderate to heavy traffic flow, especially during evening hours. The ramp represents a crucial transition point between two major interstate highways, with potential challenges including merge zones, visibility conditions, and the complex geometric design of highway interchanges. Local traffic patterns in this area are characterized by a mix of commuter and commercial traffic, with the surrounding landscape featuring typical highway-adjacent terrain of northeast Indiana.

Regarding legal considerations, Indiana state law provides specific protocols for investigating fatal motor vehicle accidents. Potential avenues for legal recourse may include claims related to wrongful death, depending on the circumstances of the crash. While the exact cause remains under investigation, families of accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which could include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost potential income, and emotional distress damages. Indiana's statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims typically requires action within a specific timeframe, underscoring the importance of timely legal consultation. However, individuals should seek personalized legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand their specific rights and potential courses of action.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

  • Allen County Sheriff's Department: (260) 449-3000
  • Allen County Coroner's Office: (260) 449-7557
  • Indiana State Police - Fort Wayne Post: (260) 432-8661

Traffic Safety Resources

  • Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): https://www.in.gov/indot/
  • Indiana Highway Safety Information Portal: https://www.in.gov/safety/
  • Allen County Traffic Safety Department: Local contact information available through county website

Victim Support Services

  • Indiana Victim Support Helpline: 1-800-211-5360
  • Allen County Victim Assistance Center: Local contact information available through county resources

Legal and Regulatory Information

  • Indiana Motor Vehicle Accident Laws
  • Allen County Traffic Incident Reporting Guidelines
  • Indiana Wrongful Death Statute Information

Note: This report is based on preliminary information and is intended for informational purposes only. The investigation is ongoing, and details may be updated as more information becomes available.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Daniel Lamar Preston
Roadway: 
I-469