Jana Denise Himes, 48, and Gabriel Himes, 45, killed in crash on Yohne Road Near Fox Island County Park in Fort Wayne
Ossian residents identified as 2 victims of fatal Allen County crash
The accident involving the Himes remains under investigation by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office and the coroner’s office.
Ossian man, woman identified as victims of crash near southwest Fort Wayne
For an unknown reason, the car the victims were in missed a curve in the road and ended up several hundred feet in the woods.
A tragic discovery was made Wednesday morning when construction workers found a fatal crash scene in a wooded area off Yohne Road near Fox Island County Park in Fort Wayne's southwest side. Allen County Police Department's Public Information Officer, Sergeant Adam Griffith, confirmed that two individuals were found deceased in the vehicle. The exact time of the crash remains undetermined, but investigators believe the vehicle failed to navigate a curve on Yohne Road while traveling at high speed, continuing straight into the wooded area. The vehicle was located several hundred feet from the roadway, with evidence suggesting it became airborne during the crash sequence. A large tree in the vehicle's path showed significant damage, consistent with the high-impact collision. Emergency responders were called to the scene after the construction workers' discovery, and the Allen County Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances of the crash.
The crash occurred on a section of Yohne Road that runs adjacent to Fox Island County Park, a well-known recreational area in southwest Fort Wayne. This stretch of roadway features several challenging curves that require drivers to reduce speed and maintain careful attention, particularly during nighttime hours or adverse weather conditions. The area where the crash occurred is characterized by dense woodland on both sides of the road, with limited shoulder space and minimal artificial lighting. The proximity to Fox Island County Park means this section of Yohne Road regularly sees both local and visitor traffic, particularly during park operating hours.
Under Indiana law, fatal motor vehicle accidents trigger specific investigative protocols and legal considerations for surviving family members. Indiana's wrongful death statute (Indiana Code § 34-23-1) provides a framework for survivors to seek compensation for losses resulting from a fatal crash. The state maintains a two-year statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims, starting from the date of death. Insurance considerations may include both liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which could be particularly relevant in single-vehicle accidents. Potential compensation may cover funeral expenses, medical costs prior to death, lost future earnings, and loss of love and companionship, depending on the specific circumstances and surviving family members. An experienced Fort Wayne personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources:
- Allen County Police Department: (260) 449-7661
- Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
- Allen County Coroner's Office: (260) 449-7389
- Fox Island County Park Administration: (260) 449-3180
- Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post: (260) 432-8661
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: (888) 692-6841
- Fort Wayne Victims Assistance: (260) 427-1205
- Indiana State Department of Transportation District Office: (866) 227-3555
What you need to know after a serious Fort Wayne car accident
When someone has been seriously injured in a car crash in Fort Wayne, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages.
After a serious car collision, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious, it is best to contact an experienced Fort Wayne injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Serious injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good lawyer who understands the process. Learn more about how an experienced Fort Wayne auto accident attorney can help.
Spinal cord injuries are not uncommon following many kinds of accidents. A person will usually require intense medical care to recover from them, and many can’t return to the work they did before the injury. When an accident causes this serious type of harm, the victim can bring a personal injury claim against any party responsible for it. A good Fort Wayne spinal cord injury attorney can help by handling the insurance claim after a serious car crash.