Couple dies in crash involving semi trucks

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 21, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 4:53 PM EST

JONES — An Albion, Ind., couple died in an accident at the intersection of Michigan 60 and Michigan 40 Wednesday afternoon, the Cass County Sheriff's Office reported.

Arthur Keister, 60, and his wife, Pamela, 57, were driving their 1988 Oldsmobile north on M-40. While witnesses say Keister came to a complete stop at the intersection of M-60, he then attempted to cross the intersection and pulled out in front of a large westbound grain truck, police said.

The truck, driven by Franklin Seybert, 48, of Constantine, was unable to stop and crashed into the passenger side of their vehicle, police said. Both the Keister's car and the grain truck continued west on M-60 where they hit another semi truck, driven by Kenneth Loughe, 45, of Elkhart, that was stopped at the intersection on M-40 in the southbound lane.

The Keister's were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Neither Seybert nor Loughe were injured.

Alcohol was not a factor and everyone wore a seatbelt, police said.

Monday, Aug 25 at 12:11 PM South Bend wrote ...

Excuse me, but 60 is not old. I know many 60 and 70 plus driver's that are more on the ball than the younger drivers. There are times when I think I must be behind a "old Grandpa" and when I pass them, I see a young person on a cell phone. Most of the older drivers that do not have fast reaction time are in their 80's and 90's. There are times when a car is just in your blind spot.

Monday, Aug 25 at 12:03 AM Defensive driver wrote ...

I'm so sorry for the Keister's. But, I'm curious to know how Eric thinks a stop light could POSSIBLY make things worse. Traffic travels fast these days. Older people are more likely to make errors regarding speeds of oncoming traffic, because speeds have changed so much in their driving experience, but I see it happen all over. Except when oncoming must stop for a light. Then others get a turn to go. It's the safest way to enter an intersection. I go out of my way to use a light on busy roads.

Friday, Aug 22 at 3:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...

sad, although like some old couples that have been together many years one does not want to be left without the other they went together, sad they had to go but it was an accident since we were not in the car we dont know why he did not see the truck, but he did stop so its not like be blew thru the stop sign or anything just an unfortunant accident

Friday, Aug 22 at 11:38 AM Anonymous wrote ...

How tragic my deepest sympathies to the families of those killed. I also feel bad for the semi drivers this was an accident but I am sure it will effect them. No matter how careful people are accidents happen perhaps the sun was in the mans eyes what ever the reason I am so sorry something like this had to happen. God bless

Friday, Aug 22 at 9:14 AM Eric wrote ...

That intersection isn't that bad. People just need to pay attention, it's an open intersection with plenty of vision in both directions. It's very tragic but it comes down to common sense and paying attention when driving, plain and simple. A stop light would just make things worse.

Friday, Aug 22 at 9:13 AM MM wrote ...

I don't know anything about that part of M 60. is there a way to divert the traffic at M40 & 60 so there can be a stop sign or stop light for both directions of traffic? or close that part of the road off and have the traffic use a side road.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:40 AM To Maryann wrote ...

maybe you should have just left that other little comment about crazy truck drivers out of your original statement. It was irrelevant to the posted news article.

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:19 AM Jenna wrote ...

My deepest sympathy is with the family, and I am sorry for your loses...I witnessed the crash yesterday...and that is a terrible intersection and a stop light should be put in with all the accidents that occur that...my prayers are with the family at this time

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:22 PM Holly wrote ...

I'm so sorry for this family's loss. I will keep you in my prayers tonight.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:58 PM Connie wrote ...

My deepest sympathies to the family. May God help you through this time of trial.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:49 PM Just Stop wrote ...

There are families mourning right now because of this...it is what it is...an accident and there are people now having to deal with the loss of their parents. Please be respectful!! Fighting with each other regarding who was at fault just isn't necessary. I will be praying for the family.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:09 PM Jerad Shaw wrote ...

I have had the honor to meet the Keister family. I played basketball with their son David. This loss is of the worst kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to David and his family. I would ask that all comments on this board get redirected to what is truly important. Thank you!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:43 PM Maryann wrote ...

Ummmmm, I never said the truck driver was at fault. Please read before commenting. I simply said I am surprised it does not happen more often. Geez

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:23 PM shak wrote ...

Well, it was NOT the truck drivers fault, Maryann,,,perhaps you should re-read the article,,There are a lot more crazy drivers in cars out there driving,and if you are merging on the tollway,,on coming traffic has the right away, they Don't have to move over, it a courtesy! Anyway, enough of that,,,let's pray for all people involved in the accident and their families

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:13 PM Lynn W wrote ...

This is in response to Maryann. I think that she must have read something different from me. In this case, the so-called 'crazy' truck driver wasn't at fault. Mr. Keister attempted to cross the intersection in front of the semi and was hit and then hit again when the 1st semi and auto were hit by the 2nd semi. Unfortunately semis cannot stop on a dime and the auto driver was at fault in his attempt to cross the intersection. He probably didn't see the on-coming truck.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 4:28 PM Maryann wrote ...

I am so sorry for the family. But, I am surprised it does not happen more often. I cannot tell you how many times I get run off the tollway by crazy truck drivers

Thursday, Aug 21 at 2:50 PM c wrote ...

God be with the family. My heart and prayers go out to you. Live every day to the fullest, cause you are not promised another.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 27
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
NCIS
9.00
The Mentalist
10.00
Without A Trace
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

When was the last time you bought a car?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.