Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PALESTINE - A Warsaw man was killed this morning in a one-car accident near Palestine, while a Milford man, James F. Ashby, died Wednesday after being hit by a truck in Elkhart County.
Zachary R. Ferguson, 20, Warsaw, was pronounced dead today at the scene of the 4:31 a.m. accident. Ferguson, ejected from the car, suffered massive head injuries, said Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd.
Authorities report the car, registered to Trina L. Shepherd, Mentone, had dropped off the side of Ind. 25 near Bruner Road. The vehicle skidded sideways approximately 95 feet before striking a tree. After striking the tree the car continued in motion, rolling three to four times before coming to rest against another tree.
Two passengers were in the car at the time of the accident, according to a police report. Stephanie L. Fairchild, 15, Warsaw, was treated at Kosciuko Community Hospital and released.
Fairchild identified the second passenger as Joseph Williams, Warsaw. Williams reportedly fled the scene of the accident prior to the arrival of police. Police reportedly found Williams in a car on Ind. 25, three miles south of Warsaw, after 9 a.m. today.
His condition and reasons for fleeing the scene of the accident were not available this morning.
According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, speed was a factor in the accident. It is not believed that seat belts were in use.
Also assisting at the accident were Multi-Township and Mentone emergency medical services and Mentone Fire Department.
The accident remains under investigation by the KCSD.
The Elkhart County Sheriff's department is investigating the death of Ashby, 46, of 316 Smith St., Milford, who was hit by a truck yesterday.
Ashby was reportedly walking north on CR 23 when he was struck from behind by a truck driven by Martin H. Gall, 34, Elkhart.
After passing a slower vehicle, Gall saw Ashby in the road. He told police he could not avoid hitting him.
ECSD is looking for information in connection with the fatality. People who were in the accident area around 5:30 a.m. should contact the department at 533-8644.
