Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The owner of Chapman's Jewelry and Design in Warsaw died over the weekend in an automobile accident.
Robert G. Chapman Jr., 48, Winona Lake, was pronounced dead at the scene of a 9:37 p.m. automobile accident Sunday by Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd.
According to Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Chapman's vehicle struck a tree near the location of 4153 E. Pierceton Road and caught fire upon impact. The fire was extinguished by a passerby, who called 911.
Chapman's 1994 Cadillac Seville left the roadway during a sharp curve and traveled more than 300 feet before striking a tree. The vehicle wrapped almost completely around the tree.
Investigators at the scene determined Chapman's car was westbound at a high rate of speed when it appears Chapman failed to negotiate a curve. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash but the impact of the tree was on the driver's side of the vehicle.
The accident remains under investigation.
Assisting at the scene were the Pierceton Fire Department, Pierceton EMS, Multi-Township EMS, Pierceton Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department and the Warsaw City Police Department.
