Yesterday, August 3, 2021, at approximately 1:30 pm, troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post responded to a two-vehicle crash on US 421 in southern Ripley County that claimed the life of a Versailles, Indiana woman.The initial investigation by Master Trooper Ben Bastin indicated a red 2004 Oldsmobile passenger car, being driven by Mary L. Hunt, age 80, Versailles, Indiana was traveling southbound on US 421 near County Road 925 South. For an unknown reason, Hunt’s vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a northbound white 2016 International box truck, being driven by Ronald Chigumira, age 34, Avon, Indiana. Chigumira took evasive action to avoid Hunt’s vehicle. The vehicles collided head on in the roadway. After the collision, both vehicles left the roadway before coming to a stop. Mary Hunt sustained fatal injuries in the collision. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner’s Office. Ronald Chigumira was treated for minor injuries at the scene and was released. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the collision although toxicology results are pending. The investigation is ongoing. Master Trooper Bastin was assisted by Senior Trooper Kyle Black, Senior Trooper Matthew Holley, and Trooper Andrew Garrett-Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Ripley County EMS, New Marion Fire Department, Versailles Fire Department, and the Ripley County Coroner’s Office. SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES |