A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 76-year-old Fort Wayne resident James E. Vanburen at the intersection of East State Boulevard and Hobson Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The incident occurred when a driver, who reported not seeing Mr. Vanburen in time to stop, struck him at the intersection. The Allen County Coroner's Office has ruled the death accidental, citing multiple blunt-force injuries as the cause. Fort Wayne Police Department responded to the scene and conducted an initial investigation, which determined that neither speed nor alcohol were contributing factors in the collision. This marks the third traffic-related fatality in Fort Wayne for the year. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, Mr. Vanburen did not survive his injuries.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of East State Boulevard and Hobson Road is a significant junction in northeastern Fort Wayne, situated in a mixed residential and commercial area. East State Boulevard serves as a major east-west arterial road through Fort Wayne, carrying substantial traffic volumes throughout the day. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and features marked crosswalks on all approaches. This area is near several important community landmarks, including the Georgetown Branch Library and Northwood Middle School, which contribute to regular pedestrian activity in the vicinity. The corridor experiences peak traffic volumes during morning and evening rush hours, as it serves as a primary route for commuters traveling between residential neighborhoods and the city center.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-37, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and are required to give warning by sounding the horn when necessary. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that compensation may be available to victims or their families if the defendant is found to be more than 50% at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the incident. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages. Victims' families may be entitled to pursue claims through both the at-fault driver's insurance and their own insurance policies, particularly if underinsured motorist coverage is available. An experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Three Rivers Ambulance Authority: (260) 428-3434
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department: (260) 427-1172
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District
• Allen County Highway Department

Support Services:

• Victim Assistance Program - Allen County Prosecutor's Office: (260) 449-7766
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division
• Fort Wayne Victims Assistance Program

Legal References:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Indiana Crash Reports Portal