David Lewis Cullen Jr., 46, Killed in Pedestrian Collision at State and Crescent in Fort Wayne Claims Life in Early Morning Crash

A pedestrian was killed in a collision that occurred just before 6 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of State Boulevard and Crescent Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Fort Wayne Police Department responded to the scene and initially investigated the incident as a hit-and-run after the driver left the location. However, the situation was clarified when the driver later returned to cooperate with authorities. Emergency responders closed East State Boulevard for over two hours while conducting their investigation, with the road reopening to traffic by mid-morning. Police noted that slick road conditions had contributed to several minor accidents in the area that morning. The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Location and Infrastructure - The intersection of State Boulevard and Crescent Avenue is a significant junction in Fort Wayne's eastern corridor. State Boulevard serves as a major east-west arterial route through residential and commercial areas, while Crescent Avenue provides important north-south connectivity. The intersection is equipped with traffic signals and marked crosswalks, with surrounding areas including mixed residential and commercial development. This section of State Boulevard typically experiences heavy morning commuter traffic, particularly during the 6 a.m. hour when many residents are heading to work.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene. While the driver's return may mitigate potential criminal consequences, civil liability considerations remain under Indiana's comparative fault system. Surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which must be filed within two years under Indiana's statute of limitations. Compensation could include funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. Insurance claims typically involve both the driver's auto liability coverage and potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced Fort Wayne pedestrian collision attorney will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

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• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Allen County Coroner's Office: (260) 449-7389
• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Services: (800) 622-4794
• Fort Wayne Traffic Safety Department: (260) 427-1172
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: (800) 261-7623