ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. — A quiet Monday morning turned tragic after a deadly two-vehicle crash on Ash Road claimed the life of a 54-year-old Osceola man, according to St. Joseph County Police. The crash happened early in the day as drivers were heading out during hazardous weather conditions.

Police said officers were called around 6:35 a.m. to a reported crash at the intersection of Lehman Street and Ash Road. When first responders arrived, they found Christopher Jacks, 54, deceased at the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, the St. Joseph County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT) was activated, following standard protocol for fatal collisions.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Jacks was driving a Honda Fit northbound on Ash Road when his vehicle crossed the centerline. His car then collided head-on with a Ford F-150 that was traveling southbound. The impact caused significant damage, and Jacks suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

The driver of the Ford F-150 was not injured, police said. That driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators as authorities worked to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision. No additional injuries were reported.

Investigators noted that weather conditions may have played a role in the crash. Early morning conditions, including cold temperatures and potentially slick roads, could have made driving more dangerous at the time. Police have not yet confirmed whether speed, visibility, or other factors contributed to the vehicle crossing the centerline.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities say more information may be released as the investigation continues. Police are reminding drivers to slow down and remain alert, especially during early morning hours and in poor weather. The death of Christopher Jacks serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly road conditions can turn deadly and how important caution is behind the wheel.