From the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department –
On March 10, 2022, at approximately 7:31 a.m., deputies responded to a personal injury crash in the 2000 block of North State Road 46. Upon arrival, Captain David Steinkoenig and Hope Town Marshall Matt Tallent located a victim partially ejected from the vehicle, later identified as Kevin Burton 50 of Columbus. Burton later passed away from his injuries while on scene.
Based on witness statements it appears that a SUV being driven by Tammy Janes 53 of Hope, was traveling southbound on State Rd 46 just south of its intersection with State Rd 9 along with Burton who was operating a pickup truck who was following behind. As the two drivers were traveling down the roadway a SUV being driven by Tracy Toddy 32 of Hope, allegedly crossed the center line for an unknown reason.
Again based on witness statements, Toddy’s vehicle struck Janes’ vehicle on the driver’s side rear bumper however continued into the oncoming lane and struck Burton’s vehicle. After the collision Burton’s vehicle came to rest on its side with Burton entrapped underneath the vehicle.
Janes was uninjured, Toddy was flown north to Methodist for unknown injuries and Burton was pronounced deceased on scene.
The investigation for the accident is still ongoing.
Assisting deputies: Lt. TA Smith, Sgt. Arnholt, Deputy Clark, Deputy Martoccia, Deputy Bagby and Hope Town Marshall Matt Tallent
Assisting agencies: CRH EMS, Columbus Fire Department, STAT Flight, Clay Township Fire Department, Hartsville Fire Department, Hope Police Department and Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office