Vicky L. Hollingsworth killed in collision involving police vehicle at State Route 931 and Vaile Avenue in Kokomo, Indiana

Fatal Police Vehicle Collision Claims Life at SR 931 and Vaile Avenue in Kokomo, Indiana

A tragic late-night collision between a Kokomo Police patrol vehicle and a passenger car resulted in the death of a 55-year-old woman on Wednesday. The incident occurred just after 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 931 and Vaile Avenue in Kokomo, Indiana. According to Indiana State Police, Kokomo Police Officer Jeremiah Wilson was traveling northbound on SR 931 in his marked patrol vehicle when a 2010 Ford driven by Timothy A. Bergesen, 32, entered the northbound lanes from Vaile Avenue directly in front of him. Despite Officer Wilson's attempts to avoid the collision, his patrol vehicle struck the Ford's passenger side. Vicky L. Hollingsworth, who was riding as a passenger in Bergesen's vehicle, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Howard County Coroner's Office. Officer Wilson was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released, while Bergesen was transferred to an Indianapolis hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Location and Infrastructure - The intersection of SR 931 and Vaile Avenue is a major junction in Kokomo, a city located approximately 60 miles north of Indianapolis. SR 931, formerly part of US 31, serves as a primary north-south arterial through Kokomo, carrying significant local and regional traffic. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and features dedicated turn lanes. This stretch of SR 931 is a multi-lane highway that connects Kokomo's commercial districts and serves as a crucial link between Indianapolis and South Bend. The area surrounding the intersection includes both commercial and residential developments, with numerous access points and cross streets that require careful attention from drivers.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana law, cases involving suspected drunk driving that result in death could lead to charges of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, a Level 4 felony carrying significant penalties. Indiana's comparative fault system may affect civil claims arising from this incident, particularly given the pending investigation into alcohol involvement. Victims' families typically have two years from the date of the accident to file wrongful death claims under Indiana's statute of limitations. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, including the city's coverage for the police vehicle and the personal auto insurance of the civilian driver.

Related Resources:

• Kokomo Police Department: (765) 457-1105
• Howard County Prosecutor's Office: (765) 456-2280
• Indiana State Police Crash Investigation Team: (765) 473-6666
• Howard County Victim Services: (765) 456-2283
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Traffic Safety Division
• MADD Indiana Chapter Support Services
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Crash Report Portal
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)