Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Dana Guttridge, 66, at South Street and Sagamore Parkway in Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette man found dead Thursday after crash at Sagamore Parkway and South Street
Officers just happened to be eastbound at the same intersection and watched the crash unfold in front of their eyes, police said.
A tragic single-vehicle accident claimed the life of 66-year-old Dana Guttridge of Lafayette at the intersection of South Street and Sagamore Parkway on Thursday evening. According to Lafayette police officers who witnessed the incident, Guttridge's silver Honda Odyssey was traveling westbound on South Street at approximately 6:30 PM when it entered the intersection at high speed. The vehicle traversed diagonally through the intersection, crossed over the median, and ultimately collided head-on with a tree after jumping the curb. The impact resulted in an engine compartment fire, which responding officers immediately attacked with fire extinguishers while extracting Guttridge from the vehicle. Despite their rapid response, Guttridge, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lafayette firefighters arrived shortly after and fully extinguished the fire. Tippecanoe County Chief Deputy Coroner Caroline Hanau confirmed the fatality.
Location and Infrastructure - The intersection of South Street and Sagamore Parkway represents one of Lafayette's major traffic arteries, serving as a crucial junction for both local and through traffic. Sagamore Parkway, formerly known as US 52, functions as a primary north-south corridor through Lafayette, while South Street serves as an essential east-west connector linking downtown Lafayette with residential and commercial districts. The intersection features standard traffic signals, dedicated turn lanes, and raised medians designed to control traffic flow and enhance safety. The area surrounding the intersection includes various commercial establishments and is frequently accessed by both local residents and visitors to the greater Lafayette area.
Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1, known as the Wrongful Death Statute, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue legal action in cases of fatal vehicle accidents. Insurance considerations typically involve personal injury protection coverage, comprehensive coverage for vehicle damage, and potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Indiana maintains a two-year statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims, starting from the date of death. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of love and companionship. The presence of witnesses, including law enforcement officers, can be crucial in establishing the factual basis for any subsequent legal proceedings. An experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources:
- Lafayette Police Department: (765) 807-1200
- Lafayette Fire Department: (765) 807-1600
- Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office: (765) 420-7607
- Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.in.gov/isp
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv
- Mental Health America of Tippecanoe County: (765) 742-1800
- Tippecanoe County Victim Assistance Program: (765) 423-9305
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