One killed in head-on collision on U.S. 31

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One person was killed in an accident on U.S. 31 in Marshall County

One person was killed in an accident on U.S. 31 in Marshall County on Friday, May 9, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 9, 2008 at 3:11 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM EDT

LAPAZ — One person was killed and two others injured in an accident on U.S. 31 in Marshall County Friday afternoon.

Police say a car traveling northbound on U.S. 31 crossed the center line and struck a southbound SUV near 1st Road.

The driver of the car was killed. The driver of the SUV and her young child were taken from the scene by ambulance.

Witnesses to the accident helped the mother and toddler get out.

“Her feet were pinned really bad and she was very, very shook up and very scared and the baby was crying and pretty scared,” one witness told WSBT News. “And they both had pretty good seat belt marks. But as far as I know they're going to be OK.”

Traffic on U.S. 31 between Tyler Road and 1st Road was detoured until just before 5 p.m.

Stay with WSBT.com for updates.

Friday, May 16 at 12:23 AM Sue wrote ...

Yes,I too knew Nathan fine young man.Christian person. I went to church with him and his family for a long time. My prayers goes out to his family and too the other family and from what I read a very good christian family also, My prayers are that they make a good recovery and see what they and get good out of this accident. Thank You and my prays are for you.

Wednesday, May 14 at 6:44 PM Sue wrote ...

Yes,I too knew Nathan fine young man.Christian person. I went to church with him and his family for a long time. My prayers goes out to his family and too the other family and from what I read a very good christian family also, My prayers are that they make a good recovery and see what they and get good out of this accident. Thank You and my prays are for you.

Monday, May 12 at 11:08 PM anonymous wrote ...

our prayers go out to every one involved, that means EVERYONE, from both drivers, passengers, and all the families that have to deal with the pain and suffering of this terrible accident, the man that died I feel very bad for his family, he thought he was going to have a good weekend and go to a wedding and for the Houin family this is not what they had planned for their weekend either. For everyone who is on here bickering, please stop let the families have peace now, they need, both families.

Monday, May 12 at 1:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Has the man been publically identified or does the family not want that info. released?

Monday, May 12 at 10:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Some people can multi task with their cd players and cell phones while driving and some people can't. Of course, no one is going to be told they're one of the ones who can't, so these "accidents" are going to happen.

Monday, May 12 at 7:39 AM Michael wrote ...

He was my best friend in the world. I cannot begin to describe the ways in which he helped others and my family. He was a wonderful person and a beautiful soul. It should be known that he dedicated his life to serving others and was the most caring generous and thoughtful person I have ever known, He was my friend my brother, and my mentor. His life achievements will be with us forever. Please pray for his family in this time.

Sunday, May 11 at 9:13 PM Ronda wrote ...

Jennifer is a part time employee of REMC, she and her little one were just in the office this week. Hes a handsome little guy and Jennifer is a very nice person. When I heard of this accident I literally got sick to my stomach. Jennifer and family I know I speck for everyone at the REMC when I say....all of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! And to the family of the man that did not survive, my thoughts are with you as well.

Sunday, May 11 at 2:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Will there be updates to this story?

Sunday, May 11 at 12:21 PM Julie wrote ...

To Troy Houin: May God Bless you and your family for being compassionate, forgiving and understanding of the one who caused the accident. May the world learn a lesson from people like you.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:31 AM Troy Houin wrote ...

I am the husband and father of the two injured in the chrysler. Justin is in the ICU at Rileys hospital in Indy. He is stable and should be moved today to a floor room. Jennifer was released form Memorial in South Bend on Saturday to be with Justin. Jennifer has a broke foot and ankle that will require surgery after Justin is released. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the other man, and we have no ill feelings towards him. It was an accident. Thank you to everyone for concern.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:11 AM Mike wrote ...

I hope that the familiy that survived will recover from the injuries received. I wish the family my condolences in their loss of a son. I know God will look over you and I will say a prayer for all involved. Only God knows what happened for sure folks, so do not be so judgemental. We should all be considerate of each of these families.

Sunday, May 11 at 7:21 AM joe mi wrote ...

i am sorry for the family i lost my brother in a car i know what its like to be told someone died GOD NEEDED ANOTHER ANGLE MY PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY TYLER I KNOW god FORGIVES YOU FOR YOUR BIG MOUTH

Saturday, May 10 at 10:44 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I would just like you all to know i know the young man who died in that crash and he was the finest. I wish people would understand that it was just that an accident. It is sad and we are hurting. My thoughts go out to the others in the crash i am glad that they weren't seriously hurt. But let's be sensitive here folks people are greiving and it isn't going to be the same with out him around.

Saturday, May 10 at 4:52 PM Betty wrote ...

Wow, whos the idot now stupid you sure are mad about people making comments. i read you and it was like you were arguing with yourself it was wierd like my aunt did before she started to hit herself and they made her go away. you should calm down some about these massage board because its mostly dumb people. anyway i was on 31 the other day and a car stopped and i almost hit him because there was a big truck next to me not a semi but one with wheels sticking out maybe that happened to the guy

Saturday, May 10 at 3:19 PM hillery wrote ...

Here's what you do...try to avoid going down 31 south. Sure there are those who live around that area find they must travel it. For those of you who don't have to, find another way!! For the last 10 years I have traveled 331 to 6 to 31S. Enough of the 31 south mess coming out of South Bend.

Saturday, May 10 at 12:49 PM Who's the idiot now, stupid? wrote ...

8:00 PM Anonymous wrote ... For all of you idiots who half read the story....Nobodies name was Tyler....and The POLICE were the ones that said the car crossed the center line. Before you go dissin' someone get your facts straight above commentors. Yo! Moron! YOU had better read the statement and understand what the offensive act was here. 4:26 PM TYLER BRISTOL wrote ... THEY HAVE LINES ON THE ROAD FOR A RESEAN.THE SOLED YELLOW LINE MEANS DON'T DRIVE OVER THE LINE! Are you related?

Saturday, May 10 at 8:25 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I don't think they should show the picture of the cars. It is pretty disturbing especially seeing the car of the person that died covered. If I was a family memeber I don't think I would want to see it.

Saturday, May 10 at 7:05 AM Mike wrote ...

Tyler, UNBELIEVABLE!! To say something like that. I knew the young man who was killed. We haved worked together in the church that we attend together. His dad, mom and I work at a Christian university. He is a Christian and if he went across the yellow line, it was not because he was not paying attention to what he was doing. There had to be either a medical or malfunction reason. I think you owe everyone here and his family an apology. If I were you, I'd fine me a church to attend and quick.

Saturday, May 10 at 6:49 AM B wrote ...

Tyler soled is the repair of the bottom of a shoe. Did you mean solid?

Saturday, May 10 at 2:24 AM K Brewer wrote ...

First, I must say that I am a resident of this area who has been in a major accident in this location. While my heart goes out to those who have passed resulting from these automobile collisions, this needs to serve as a wake up call for Marshall County and Lapaz. We NEED adequate medians. We NEED better traffic regulation. We REALLY NEED a left turn lane. It's time for Marshall County officials to WAKE UP and get something done! How many more people have to die to warrant your attention?

Saturday, May 10 at 1:36 AM Praying for all involved wrote ...

1st of all-I'm sorry for all of the family members involved in all of the vehicles. Your are in our prayers. 2nd-before jumping to conclusions about why the person crossed the center line, remember that it could be vehicle malfunction, or medical reasons such as heart attack, diabetic reaction, fainting, etc.

Friday, May 9 at 11:19 PM Ryan wrote ...

That area around 1st Rd is just plain dangerous by itself since there are no turn lanes. I've been in a couple close calls there from people not paying attention and someone stopped in the left lane to turn.

Friday, May 9 at 10:26 PM Granger mommy wrote ...

How old are you Tyler? By the way your spelling is, your not too old. Are YOU old enough to drive yet? It is an ACCIDENT because it is just that! Prayin for that family, God speed to healing and recovery!

Friday, May 9 at 10:06 PM Julie wrote ...

Anyone who is familiar with LaPaz and this specific part of 31 knows there could be multiple reasons for swerving over the center line there. If the story is correct the person who crossed the line is gone now. So, the fact is that it doesn't matter why. It's a sad situation for this family and hopefully the other victims will be OK. At least WSBT has the area correct. The "other" news channel is reporting it as Tyler & 31 intersection, which is wrong!

Friday, May 9 at 9:34 PM Dan Spaulding wrote ...

Hey Tyler, you might wanna think about a retraction. Besides the one where you remove your foot from your mouth.

Friday, May 9 at 8:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

For all of you idiots who half read the story....Nobodies name was Tyler....and The POLICE were the ones that said the car crossed the center line. Before you go dissin' someone get your facts straight above commentors.

Friday, May 9 at 7:51 PM veteran wrote ...

Hey J, where does it say anything about either vehicle passing? Or that they were speeding? Do you know something that wasn't reported in this article?

Friday, May 9 at 6:18 PM Wondering... wrote ...

Wonder what kind of comments people would make if they weren't anonymous. Tyler, please think before you make possibly painful comments. My Uncle died in a head on crash. He had suffered a heart attack & was dead when the car swerved. Would you want to see comments like the ones you made if it had been your Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, Girlfriend, best friend...Yourself, driving that car? Think about it. One person died, two have unknown injuries, please show respect/concern.

Friday, May 9 at 6:17 PM Donnie Baker, Indianapolis wrote ...

Hey Tyler! What exactly is a soled yellow line? Does it have to do with shoes or something?

Friday, May 9 at 6:11 PM J wrote ...

See what happens when ppl want to get around others that are going slow?..See thats WHY YOU NEVER EVER SPEED!..Now Mothers day coming and some Mom out there lost her child

Friday, May 9 at 6:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i know the family members of the woman and child in the car. The little boy is being sent to Riley's Childrens Hospital. Please keep this family in your prayers as well as the family of the person who lost their life. Just a very sad situation all around.

Friday, May 9 at 5:56 PM :( wrote ...

I was driving back from Indy today and ran into this accident. When I saw it I knew it wasn't good. Accidents like this make me really sad and to think if can happen to anyone at any time. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.

Friday, May 9 at 5:44 PM Chelsea wrote ...

Yes Tyler go back to 3rd grade gosh. and im sure they didnt cross the yellow line on purpose. I had a boy in my school would have been a senior this year cross the center line on US 6 and went head on with an RV killed him and his sister... (rip zane and zoie) but this stuff happens. we just all need to be more careful while driving. the accident had traffic backed up all the way to my road. (stanton) it was horrbile, deff from the looks of that picture.

Friday, May 9 at 5:36 PM Wondering wrote ...

I wonder how the comments made here would change if they weren't anonymous... Tyler, my Uncle died in a head on crash because he had a heart attack and was dead before he left his lane... Hopefully, next time, you will be more thoughtful before making a comment. What would you want others to say had the driver of the car been your Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, Girlfriend, Best Friend...YOU? Think about it.

Friday, May 9 at 5:26 PM vet wrote ...

Tyler, don't spout off until you know the facts, it could easily have been a mechanical defect that caused the car to swerve.(I'm not saying it was, just that it could happen.) Your comment doesn't help anyone.

Friday, May 9 at 5:19 PM Dan from Goshen wrote ...

Don't try to slip anything past Tyler!! Grow up Tyler! Our prayers go out for all involved.

Friday, May 9 at 5:06 PM angry anonymous wrote ...

Hey, Learn the English language first and then you can criticize. You have no clue what happened and the reason for crossing the yellow line. Keep your imbecilic comments to yourself unless you have something constructive to say and have some sympathy for the loss of life and injury to others.

Friday, May 9 at 5:04 PM * wrote ...

show a little respect...that comment is uncalled for! learn to spell.

Friday, May 9 at 4:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...

before you start throwing insults around Tyler maybe you should learn how to spell.

Friday, May 9 at 4:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thanks, Tyler. That explains everything.

Friday, May 9 at 4:55 PM ann wrote ...

So sad for the innocent victims mother and young child. Hopefully their injuries are not life threatening and they will survive this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Friday, May 9 at 4:26 PM TYLER BRISTOL wrote ...

THEY HAVE LINES ON THE ROAD FOR A RESEAN.THE SOLED YELLOW LINE MEANS DON'T DRIVE OVER THE LINE!!!!!!

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