On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, an 83-year-old Fort Wayne resident lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the 800 block of Ardis Drive. The Allen County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Baltazar Guzman, who was taken to a local hospital following the collision but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The coroner determined the cause of death to be multiple crush injuries resulting from the motor vehicle crash, ruling the manner of death as accidental. Emergency responders, including the Fort Wayne Police Department, quickly arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance and begin their investigation. This tragic incident marks the 21st traffic fatality in Allen County for 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the region. The Fort Wayne Police Department and Allen County Coroner's Office continue their joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Family members have been notified of Mr. Guzman's passing as the community mourns this preventable loss of life.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred in the 800 block of Ardis Drive, a residential area in Fort Wayne that serves both local traffic and commuters. Ardis Drive is a local road that connects various neighborhoods within the city, typically experiencing moderate traffic volumes throughout the day. The area where the accident took place is characterized by residential development with nearby homes and local businesses that generate both vehicular and pedestrian activity. Like many urban residential streets in Fort Wayne, Ardis Drive may present challenges for pedestrian visibility, particularly during certain times of day or weather conditions. The specific intersection or road segment where the incident occurred has not been identified as a known high-risk area for pedestrian accidents, though this collision underscores the inherent risks that exist on all roadways where vehicles and pedestrians share space. Local traffic control devices and road conditions at the time of the accident remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, families of pedestrian accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to pursue wrongful death claims through the civil court system, as established by Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, which means that even if a pedestrian bears some responsibility for an accident, compensation may still be recoverable provided their fault does not exceed 50% of the total blame. Potential compensation in fatal pedestrian cases may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and future earnings, pain and suffering experienced before death, and loss of companionship for surviving family members. Indiana limits punitive damages to the greater of $50,000 or three times the total compensatory damages awarded. Insurance considerations typically involve both the driver's auto liability coverage and potentially the victim's own insurance policies. Given the complexity of pedestrian accident cases and the strict time limitations, families should consult with experienced personal injury attorneys who can properly investigate the incident, preserve evidence, and ensure all legal deadlines are met while navigating the claims process.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Allen County Sheriff's Office: (260) 449-7191
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-5555
• Three Rivers Ambulance Authority: (260) 969-2999

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Traffic Safety: www.in.gov/indot/safety
• Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Division: (260) 427-6155
• Allen County Traffic Safety Partnership: Local traffic safety initiatives and education programs

Support Services:

• Allen County Victim Services: (260) 449-7250
• Crisis & Victim Services of Northeast Indiana: (260) 426-7692
• Grief counseling services through local hospitals and mental health providers
• Fort Wayne Community Schools crisis counselors (if applicable)

Legal and Insurance Resources:

• Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (317) 269-2222
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services: (317) 232-2385
• Indiana Traffic Laws and Regulations: www.in.gov/bmv/traffic-laws
• Allen County Prosecutor's Office Victim Advocate Program: (260) 449-7551