ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. — A winter weather crash in Elkhart County turned deadly Sunday night, claiming the life of a 17-year-old passenger after a van collided head-on with a semi-truck. Authorities say snow and icy road conditions caused the van to cross into oncoming traffic, leading to a tragic and violent impact on a rural highway.
According to police, the crash happened just before 10 p.m. on State Road 13, east of Goshen. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene after reports of a serious collision involving a van and a semi-truck. When first responders arrived, they found both vehicles with heavy front-end damage, blocking part of the roadway.
Investigators said the van was traveling along State Road 13 when the driver lost control due to snow- and ice-covered pavement. Officials believe the van crossed the center line and struck the front end of an oncoming semi-truck. Police said the weather conditions played a major role in the crash, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control.
The passenger in the van was identified as JayDee Miller, a 17-year-old from Elkhart. Miller suffered fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of a young life has deeply impacted the community, especially as winter storms continue to create hazardous driving conditions across the region.
The driver of the van survived the crash and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, police said. Authorities did not report serious injuries to the driver of the semi-truck. The road remained affected for a period of time as crews worked to clear wreckage and investigators examined the scene.
Police continue to investigate the incident, but no charges have been announced at this time. Officials are urging drivers to slow down and use extreme caution during winter weather, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Miller’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of driving on snow- and ice-covered roads and the importance of adjusting speed and driving behavior to match conditions.
