Man charged with OWI in fatal Mishawaka crash

By JEFF PARROTT, Tribune Staff Writer

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Man charged with OWI in fatal Mishawaka crash

Carol Ragsdale was a passenger in this Corvair that was struck nearly head-on at the intersection of Lincolnway and Oakside in Mishawaka. (WSBT Photo)

By Beth Boehne

MISHAWAKA--Police have arrested a South Bend man on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, in connection with a fatal crash Saturday morning on Lincoln Way East.

Shortly after 7 a.m., Derek Dygulski, 34, of the 4200 block of Irish Hills Drive, was driving his Chevy Cobalt west on Lincoln Way, near Oakside Avenue and Twin Branch Elementary School, when he veered across the centerline and struck an eastbound vehicle nearly head-on, said Mishawaka Police Capt. Tim Spencer.

The impact killed Carol Ragsdale, 60, a passenger in the other vehicle, a blue 1960 Corvair driven by her husband, Kenneth Ragsdale, 60. The Ragsdales, of the 1300 block of Providence Court in the Reverewood subdivision, had been on their way to an antique car show in Dowagiac, Spencer said.

Spencer said toxicology results, which will reveal Dygulski’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash, were not yet available. Spencer said a drug recognition expert from the metro Fatal Alcohol Crash Team found probable cause for Dygulski’s arrest while questioning him at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, but he declined to elaborate.

Dygulski initially told police he had no recollection of the crash or even having driven on the street, but later said he recalled driving east on Lincoln Way, which was incorrect, Spencer said.

Police had no information on what he had been doing before the crash, Spencer said.

Neither of the Ragsdales had been wearing seat belts because the Corvair did not have them, Spencer said. Dygulski was wearing a seat belt and his airbag deployed. He complained of chest pain but was treated and released from the hospital before being booked into the St. Joseph County Jail, where he was held without bond pending formal charges.

Mr. Ragsdale’s most severe injury was a broken femur.

Staff writer Jeff Parrott: jparrott@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6320

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:35 PM Kate wrote ...

I know this family and they are in deep pain right now. Shame on anyone who criticizes the deceased or her husband. People die wearing seat belts too. Next time you think about driving drunk decide if you can live with the possible consequences. It is so not worth it. My thoughts are with the Ragsdales, and other family memebers- all my love, from Texas

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:17 AM A person more aware wrote ...

What do you suppose Dereks reaction was to the death of Patrick Sawyer, the cyclist killed by a drunk a month ago? "Boy what a moron! How could he be that stupid? I would never drink and drive and KILL someone!" But Derek did! Right up to the point of impact he was a great guy with a bright future. Now his future is cloudy and someone else is dead. We all need to be more aware for those we are drinking with. This nonsense can be stopped. It will happen again, to someone who says it won't to them

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 6:30 AM Christine Hooker wrote ...

I promise you no one wants their child or loved one to die because of another due to drinking. You might think it happens to everyone else and not you but think AGAIN, it happens to thousands of people and it is the worst experience of your entire life. A drunk driver killed my 28 year old son on 11/30/07 in Indiana. I was still in a fog after 7 months and it has severly affected my entire family and Johnny's friends. LEASE do not have even 1 drink and then drive. Pray for the Ragsdale's.

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 8:54 PM rtc wrote ...

I am a classic car owner and we know these cars do not meet todays cars safety standards. We take calculated risk of driving these classics, typically on the weekends and to car shows. This accident was not caused by the Ragdales, it was a head on collision from another driver, it could have been fatal in any modern car as well. The comments about the safety standards of the corvair are by uneducated people. The early accussations revolved around steering problems, nothing to do with this accid.

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 6:39 PM Neice in TX wrote ...

Aunt Carol, Sorry I never got to meet you in person after I married into the family. Our prayers are with your family and those of the other driver. Lots of friends and family are taking care of Uncle Kenny and the girls. Love, Your Niece in TX

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 4:16 PM cargranddaughter wrote ...

I knew these people from the Sayurday night Bonnie Doons runs you can't just say that they died because of no seat belts if they didn't have them then why should they have them now they are not classic cars unless they are the exact same as tey were like 50 years ago

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 9:59 AM Anonymous wrote ...

we are not asking for compassion, what we are asking is how can someone wish death on someone for a story that hasnt come to full light on, that is what people call a oxy moron

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 9:53 AM anonymous wrote ...

To 11:17 anti drunk, friends and family are not making any excuses for dereks actions but you are jumping to conclusions that he was drinking untill 7:oo in the morning. The media has speculated on what has happend, so before the pitch forks are brought out.Let the families heal and comments made on how derek should end his life is unfair. I wish I could give details but all I can say is that The Ragsdales and Dygulski family are handling this matter in the most respectful way.My prayers 4 all.

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 9:39 AM anon wrote ...

My condolences go out to the family of the Ragsdales. I am also a car enthusist and it is always tragic to lose one of our own. I will only say one thing to those posting ignorant comments, please stop. There is A LOT of false and missing info that all of the news stations are reporting. Wait until the trial, before speaking like you know what happened.

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 9:35 AM bob wrote ...

The seat belt was not part of the engineering of this car when it came out. Cars that had no seat belts back in the day, aren't required to be modified from there original condition. I say we ban suv's before we outlaw classic cars. What is wrong with people?

Tuesday, Aug 19 at 9:31 AM dave wrote ...

Shame on you people for saying these innocent folks were in the wrong by driving a classic car. Can't people own something nice, keep it original without being subject to know-it-alls saying they can't drive it? The corvair has been on the road before the suv. These were innocent victims, obviously they liked their classic car, the way it was built. I think all the commenters suggesting they can't drive on the road with a "stock car", would be safer if they lived in cages.

Monday, Aug 18 at 10:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

you stupid stupid people even hinting that the Ragsdales had anything to do with this,cars regestered as historic that do not have seatbelts, do not have to have them worn. point in blank if this if this drunk heathen would have not been drinking and driving they would still be alive seatbelts or not, yeah he is still alive but they are not it does not seem fair they were probably married for a long time now seperated cause of a drunken fool, should lose his privilage of freedom FOREVER, she did

Monday, Aug 18 at 9:00 PM twilight zone wrote ...

is it just me or is it getting STUPID in here? would it matter if it were a motorcycle, bicycle,or pedestrian? THE ROAD IS A PRIVILEGE FOR EVERYONE! EXCLUDING INTOXICATED PEOPLE! I say start protesting as people leave the bars! RADICAL CHANGE!! IT IS NECCESSARY NOW!!

Monday, Aug 18 at 8:05 PM Anonynmous wrote ...

The ragsdale couple should not have been even driving a car without seatbelts. . I know i wouldn't feel safe ifni didnt have a seatbelt on. The drunk driver shouldnt have been driving all together but lives could have been saved if they were driving a car that followed the rules of the road.

Monday, Aug 18 at 6:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm getting really sick of hearing about people I went to high school with doing stupid things that end up killing others. We're in our 30's, time to grow up.

Monday, Aug 18 at 5:54 PM car lover Mishawka wrote ...

The kind of car should not matter! The point here is 7:00 in the morning driving drunk????????????

Monday, Aug 18 at 4:43 PM Unbiased Opinion wrote ...

I don't have any stake to either party here but, 2 crimes were committed in my opinion. 1. Drunk Driving 2. Failure to wear a safety belt. Avoiding the first would have prevented this whole ordeal. Avoiding the second could have saved a life and prevented the driver from being ejected from the car. I am unfamiliar with the Corvair but, It's Indiana Law to wear a safety belt. I don't understand how the corvair is allowed to be registered and on the road if it doesn't have any.

Monday, Aug 18 at 3:41 PM WOW wrote ...

Blame the car now! What a joke. The car is a LEGAL vehicle to be on the roads. The person responsible is the "allegedly" drunk driver.

Monday, Aug 18 at 3:37 PM Ed, So.Bend wrote ...

Dennis you have got to be kidding! Its there fault for driving a classic car that was 48 years old ??? Boy that's a reach blame the car and the goverment for letting it be built. OMG

Monday, Aug 18 at 3:01 PM Dennis wrote ...

True, the actions of the DWI driver should not be tolerated but look at the tragedy from another angle. The "Classic" car was a Corvair, a rear engined vehicle without air bags or even structural devices to protect the occupants from the "tuck under effect" in a crash. The drunk caused the crash no doubt, but maybe Ralph Nader was correct about the Corvair and we are just seeing the results happen again. The Corvair should not have been in operation but garaged and towed to events.

Monday, Aug 18 at 12:31 PM Linda wrote ...

I don't care what laws you pass or how restrictive they are people will continue to drive drunk. Suspending their license only makes them drunk and driving without a license. I say send them up the first time. Then make them report to and do a urine test for 10 years every week. First time missed, back to jail for another year. No questions asked. Either we become tough on crime or we just learn to live with it. There is no other way period! We have patronized long enough!

Monday, Aug 18 at 12:29 PM Anonymous wrote ...

There aren't any real consequences for this kind of thing, so, whatever...

Monday, Aug 18 at 12:12 PM Most Important wrote ...

thing to do is offer heartfelt condolences to the Ragsdale Family. What a tragedy to have yet ANOTHER DRUNK DRIVER take someones life and lets remember to honor Derek by reminding everyone here what a wonderful person he was. The issue here is not his personality and goodness. The issue here is he (and he alone) chose to drink and drive and be at fault for his own actions that took anothers life. Maybe you want to celebrate him but how about the victim? Don't they deserve justice?

Monday, Aug 18 at 11:25 AM Ed, So.Bend wrote ...

We need to toughin up the laws on DWI and causing death. 16 years in jail doesn't seem to fit the crime. So many young people are killing innocent people and ruining there lives as well as the victims families. We need some changes in the laws. My prayers are with and for the Ragsdale family.

Monday, Aug 18 at 11:24 AM v wrote ...

Having already been through this--both families lives will suffer tremendously and both families will never be the same again--NEVER--no matter how much time passes. I worked with Carol and she was a good friend for many years. She was kind, gentle and compassionant. She was a true "Lady" in all ways. She was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. They were her life and they will all be lost without her. My heart goes out to both families because I know what is ahead. No good comes fr

Monday, Aug 18 at 10:51 AM 73 mustang/hayes family wrote ...

all our prayers go out to ken and his family.we met ken at many car shows over the years and hes a great friend and fun to be around.its a shame this had to happen to his family.may God Bless them all.many hopes to see ken at shows next year.

Monday, Aug 18 at 10:17 AM Anti Drunk wrote ...

OK. God be with the Ragsdales in this unbelievably difficult time. Friends of Derek: STOP making excuses. He had a choice. He may have lost a loved one, but if you are all so supportive and close to him, why was he finding comfort in booze at 7am instead of his friends and family? Heather certainly isn't going to go out drinking and driving to heal her heart after her loss, so why do you make it sound like we should have compassion for the man who destroyed so many lives??

Monday, Aug 18 at 10:09 AM friend wrote ...

I have known derek for several years. He is not a drunk. Derek is a good hearted person who made some bad choices during a rough period in his life. He, too, has recently lost a loved one. There are no excuses, he should be punished, but Derek is not an intentional murderer. I know Derek regrets his actions and their consequences. He has family and friends who love him very much and who will be there for him in times of need. I am very sorry for the Ragsdale family.

Monday, Aug 18 at 9:55 AM Beverly wrote ...

It's very sad and my heart goes out to the Ragdale family. This is a senseless death of a wonderful woman, how much more of this type of "crime" are we to endure? I don't have an answer but this is not rocket science, you drink you stay the heck home! If he makes a habit of this, it's important to note, the accident happened near an elementary school...

Monday, Aug 18 at 9:50 AM anonymous wrote ...

Reply to David 9:12am I am deeply sorrow for the Ragsdale family for losing their loved one, and know one knows this more than Derek himself, I have been friends with Derek for 20yrs, out of respect for the Ragsdale family it would be in poor taste to say he shouldnt be punished but to read some comments that he should just hang himself or a eye for a eye and a everyday drunk is not true. So I can only reply that our friend will be punished for his actions but it is not who he truly is.

Monday, Aug 18 at 8:39 AM Math wrote ...

Colleenmike: I really hope you're joking. What we need is for people to wake up and be more responsible. We don't need more police state shenanigans.

Monday, Aug 18 at 8:25 AM no excuse wrote ...

what a tradgedy ! i have been on the other side of the wheel,in fact i go to court this week for dui, i thank god i didnt hurt or kill someone,i had some beer with dinner that night and blew .08 but thats enough,i wont let myself get into that position again,maybe a blessing i was stopped. sorry for you lose ragsdale family, very sad.

Monday, Aug 18 at 8:13 AM Lisa/Elkhart wrote ...

I have known Carol for many years, and I will miss her terribly. My heart breaks for Kenny and the girls. The world is now missing a woman who was the very definition of grace and family.

Monday, Aug 18 at 8:12 AM David wrote ...

YO, Anonymous 9:45, ur one to talk, saying "GOD should be the only one to pass judgement" and then, you go and say "he should be punished to the fullest" well, which one do you want? do you want people to not judge? then, maybe you should try "not judging" eh??

Monday, Aug 18 at 7:29 AM colleenmike wrote ...

The fedreal government should monitor and contol all vehicles on the road. Lets use GPS trackers in each vehicle and breathilizers as part of the start up process. That will help eliminate most of the OWI's.... COME ON... some of you are just being silly. It is not illegal to be an idiot or a jerk. My sympathies to the friends and family of the Ragsdales. ... one pair of working hands do more than 10,000 hads clasp in prayer...

Monday, Aug 18 at 7:13 AM Steve-O wrote ...

OWI is when a alcohol test result is not known yet. DUI is when they know how much you blow. If they were to charge him with a DUI without no test results, he could walk. So that is why they charge him with a OWI, and it will be changed to a DUI when test results come back. Hope that clears it up.

Monday, Aug 18 at 6:33 AM Anon wrote ...

MJ, you might not want to talk to the media if you have a civil case pending against your drunk driver. Anything you say can taint your case if twisted by a defense attorney.

Monday, Aug 18 at 4:35 AM MJ. Sawyer, MI wrote ...

2 years ago on August 5th I was hit by a drunk driver and the kid was charged with OWI but got the wonderful option to plee down to a lesser charge. If I would have been hit a foot toward the rear of the car I was in I would be dead and most likely end up on the news. I really want to talk to the press about by case and lawsuit I have going on and hopefully bring national attention to it and make an example of the kid and all those who drink and drive.

Monday, Aug 18 at 1:18 AM Marilyn wrote ...

Whats the difference between OWI and DUI?

Sunday, Aug 17 at 10:08 PM Mr. Logical wrote ...

anonymous...Placing judgement on his soul and judgement for his crime are two different things.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 9:13 PM sik wrote ...

to the ragsdales from a old neighbor from reverewood im very sorry to hear that carol was a special lady and a great mom and she treated all of us kids on the court really nice kenneth my heart feels for ya man

Sunday, Aug 17 at 8:45 PM anonymous wrote ...

My heart goes out to the Ragsdale family, no one should be taken from their family so soon. I have been best friends for years with the person that commited this unspeakable act. He should be punished to the fullest. There are no excuses for his behavior but I cannot help but speak out and say that he isnt the person he is being portrayed as,he is living in his own hell for what he has done. God should be the only one that places judgement, and see that the Ragsdale family get threw this time.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 7:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Drunk at 7 AM in the morning. I bet he had been drinking somewhere all night. Not only should he do jail time, but the place who let him leave that drunk, should be charged also. Once people who provide the booze enough to get someone still drunk at 7 in the morning, start feeling the hurt big time, then people might think twice about letting someone else leave your place drunk. Never in my life have a drove drunk.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 7:06 PM Bipittybopity Boo wrote ...

If I want to kill someone intentionally,I could squish them with my car, pound some liquor, test positive for alcohol and get away with a DWI instead of murder.Maybe some gangsters are looking at this the wrong way.I'm sure they could aim their cars better than their guns.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 6:26 PM Something to think about wrote ...

Sorry for your loss Mr. Ragsdale It should be a county law that before leaving any restaurant, bar, club, etc. to administer a breathalyser test paid for by the patron. If you pass you get to drive, if you don't call a cab...That would solve two thirds of the DUI/OWI fatalities and accidents, while lowering insurance rates, creating new jobs for cab companies, freeing up jail space, police and our courts. If the counties can enforce a no smoking policy, they can easily do what I just wrote...

Sunday, Aug 17 at 5:51 PM Peter Pan wrote ...

When did we go from DUI to OWI?

Sunday, Aug 17 at 5:48 PM mike wrote ...

another drunk off to jail.right where they all belong. too bad it will only be a few years. he should get the same amount of time as involuntary manslaughter cause thats what it is.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 5:00 PM Mr. Logical wrote ...

wild bill...how did you come up with 3 out of 5 of us have driven under the influence? I've never been responsible for someone's death. So, does that mean I can cast stones now? If so, hang him.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 2:47 PM Jtalker1965 wrote ...

12:14 PM anonOmus wrote ... these cars were death traps 40 yrs ago ? So are you driving a the safest? I bet not. I would not mattered what they where driving. A death is a death. 9:26 AM Bethany wrote "the system" IT STINKS. He will see a 8 year term for his crime, that is what wrong with the system. A murder is a murder! He should face the same that a murder would face for shooting a stabing some one to death.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 2:42 PM wild bill wrote ...

First, my deepest sympathy to the Ragsdale family, I am sorry for your lose. Second, I am sure the driver will not only suffer mentally for this crime, but also suffer severe jail time. I have to say though, that 3 out of the five people saying to hang him have at one time driven under the influence and by the grace of God did not hurt or kill someone.Please don't cast stones like you have not done the samething at one time and got away unscathed.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 1:11 PM MM wrote ...

he needs to face the same fate as the victims.eye for an eye. what a beast he is.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 11:33 AM So Sad My Hart Goes out to the Famlies wrote ...

So Sad to loose family from someone drinking and driving. I hope this person learns his lesion

Sunday, Aug 17 at 11:14 AM anonOmus wrote ...

these cars were death traps 40 yrs ago....

Sunday, Aug 17 at 11:05 AM Bill wrote ...

So sorry for your loss to the Ragsdale family and friends. I am running for office soon and this will be one of my top priorities when I get there. Our "system" can act in a way that we can minimize these types of stories!

Sunday, Aug 17 at 11:05 AM d$ wrote ...

make drinkin illegal!! stay home and smoke idiot!!

Sunday, Aug 17 at 10:59 AM amy wrote ...

this is so sad, my deepest sympathy go out to this family and there friends

Sunday, Aug 17 at 10:50 AM Ed and Linda wrote ...

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Ragsdale family. God bless you all.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 10:13 AM susan wrote ...

my sympathies go out to the family. i hope they hang him for life.this lady did not have to die. this man should stay in jail or hang him .

Sunday, Aug 17 at 10:01 AM G wrote ...

My deepest sypathies go out to the friends and families of the victims. I hope that the guy who did recieves the full punishment of the law. Lessons are not being learned. Our culture has a serious problem with drinking and driving and needs to be adressed far better than how we have been in the past.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 8:26 AM Bethany wrote ...

What exactly, would you have "them" say and do, John? And please explain "current system".

Sunday, Aug 17 at 8:25 AM Mr. Logical wrote ...

What a surprise...it was another drunk that caused this horrible "accident". Causing another tragic end to a wonderful life. Enjoy your drinks drunks! There's an eight year jail cell waiting for you! I say hang him.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 6:53 AM John wrote ...

When is our society goin to say enough is enough with this senseless killing of people on our highways. Our current system doesn't address the problem enough because we continue to have the problem.

Sunday, Aug 17 at 6:33 AM ? wrote ...

Where are all these DUI checkpoints we've been hearing about for weeks now?

Saturday, Aug 16 at 10:26 PM Jen wrote ...

An OWI at 7:00 in the morning? My sympathies to the Ragsdale family.

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