FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH UNDER INVESTIGATION
October 30, 2026
On Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 7:04 a.m., Decatur County Dispatch
received a call reporting a motor vehicle crash involving multiple vehicles in the 5000
block of N. Old U.S. Highway 421.
Upon arrival, deputies with the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department determined that a
2012 Ford F-350, pulling a 20-foot flatbed trailer and driven by Bradley Jon Hughes, 51,
of Westport, Indiana, was traveling northbound on N. Old U.S. Highway 421 when the
trailer became detached from the truck for reasons that remain under investigation. The
trailer came to rest in the southbound lane of N. Old U.S. Highway 421.
A 2015 Ford Escape, driven by William Dale Blackburn, 59, of Shelbyville, Indiana, was
traveling southbound when it struck the detached trailer head-on.
A Honda Civic, traveling behind the Ford Escape and driven by Nathan Andrew Rump,
28, of Shelbyville, Indiana, then struck the trailer following the initial collision.
William Dale Blackburn was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin have
been notified. No other injuries were reported.
The crash remains under investigation. At this time, alcohol or drug use is not suspected
to have been a contributing factor.
The following agencies assisted at the scene:
Indiana State Police
Decatur County EMS
Greensburg Fire Department
St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department
Adams Volunteer Fire Department
St. Paul Marshal’s Office
Decatur County Coroner’s Office
Decatur County Emergency Management
Platinum Wrecker Service
Tim’s Wrecker Service
Decatur County first responders extend their sincere condolences to the family and
friends of William Dale Blackburn during this difficult time.
