NORTH VERNON, Ind.—Jennings County Deputies responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on County Road 1000W, near County Road 500N, on the Jackson/Jennings County line, on Wednesday, January 21.
Emergency personnel were called to the accident at around 11:20 a.m., where an SUV had left the roadway and struck a tree.
Sheriff Kenny Freeman and four deputies, along with Jennings County EMS and members of the Geneva Township Fire Department, all responded to the crash. The vehicle was located, partially on the roadway, and appeared to have struck a tree on the west side of the highway.
The driver, and sole occupant, of the SUV, identified as 65-year-old Karen Hodges, was conscious but unresponsive when emergency personnel arrived on scene. Deputies stayed with the driver until Jennings County EMS was able to stabilize the female and began providing aid.
A medical transport helicopter was requested to airlift the driver to a trauma center. Hodges was later pronounced deceased at St. Vincent Hospital on 86th St. in Indianapolis.
The initial investigation conducted by Jennings County Deputies determined that Hodges was northbound on North C.R. 1000W when, for an unknown reason, she left the west side of the highway and struck a tree head-on. It is believed that Hodges was wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash. Drugs or alcohol are not thought to be contributing factors to the accident.
The crash investigation is ongoing in conjunction with the Marion County Coroner's Office.
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