Jackson County:  Last night at approximately 7:45 p.m. troopers were called to the scene of a serious crash on S.R. 11 at CR 1000 North in Jackson County.  According to Trooper Matt Holley, a 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 17 year old Katelin Nichole Garris of Columbus was southbound on S.R. 11 as it approached CR 1000 North.  A 2000 Chevrolet Venture van driven by 72 year old Sharlene C. Mellencamp of Greenwood was pulling out of CR 1000 North to turn north on S.R. 11 when the Mustang struck the van in the driver’s side.  After impact, the Mustang left the roadway and went down a steep embankment.   The van was pushed south on S.R. 11 approximately 100 feet following impact.  Mellencamp was pronounced dead at the scene.  Her passenger, 74 year old William L. Mellencamp of Greenwood suffered severe chest injuries and was transported to Schneck Memorial Hospital in Seymour.

Garris suffered broken arms and legs and was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis via lifeline helicopter.  A front seat passenger in the Mustang, 18 year old Corey Huddleston of Columbus suffered severe head injuries and a broken leg.  He was transported by ambulance to Schneck Memorial Hospital then transferred to Methodist Hospital via lifeline helicopter.  The back seat passenger in the Mustang, 17 year old Kendra Oma Shanice Barnett of Columbus was transported to Schneck Memorial Hospital suffering from severe head lacerations and leg injuries.

Tpr. Holley believes unsafe speed may have been a factor in the crash which remains under investigation.  Assisting Tpr. Holley at the scene was the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour and Reddington Fire Departments, Jackson County EMS, and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.