UPDATE: LaPaz man killed in U.S. 31 crash

By ED RONCO, Tribune Staff Writer

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U.S. 31 accident Lakeville

The body of a LaPaz man killed in an accident Saturday morning on U.S. 31 in Lakeville is removed from his car. The victim rear-ended a NIPSCO truck (at left) waiting to turn left into a church parking lot. (Tribune Photo/JIM RIDER)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Oct 11, 2008 at 9:14 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 11, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

LAKEVILLE —35-year-old Dwayne Cross from LaPaz was killed Saturday when his green Honda slammed into the rear of a utility truck stopped along U.S. 31.

Cross was employed at the University of Notre Dame as a security guard, and was on his way home from work when the crash occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m., St. Joseph County police Sgt. Bill Redman said.

Cross leaves behind a wife and three young children.

The accident happened when two trucks belonging to the Northern Indiana Public Service Co., or NIPSCO, were waiting to make a left turn into the parking lot at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 63568 U.S. 31, south of South Bend.

Cross' Honda slammed into the back of the second truck, pushing it into the first.

Neither truck showed serious damage at the accident scene, but the Honda’s hood and front fenders were sheared off, with only the engine block and wheels still connected to the rest of the car.

Investigators said there were no skid marks, and that Cross was wearing his seat belt.

Fire crews removed his body from the vehicle around 9 a.m., and an autopsy will likely be performed, Redman said.

Staff writer Ed Ronco: eronco@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6353

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 8:38 PM Matt, Kala, Cayden, Dylan wrote ...

We are so sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers. Dwayne was a great loving man. He made the soccer season so much fun for our boys. they couldn't wait till next season to see Coach Dwayne again. He will be greatly missed.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:19 PM Nathan wrote ...

How very sad for this family. I wish all of the people that post comments about the new highway would read stories like this and think. The money for the new road will be worth it to keep good people like this man on the planet. Oh, and...Stephanie is obviously not a physics person.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 4:05 PM Southof30 wrote ...

I happened to be driving by this accident shortly after it happened, and it was apparent the driver was deceased. For me it was a surreal moment, the first thing I did was said a prayer for the family. The second thing I did was called my wife and kids and told them I love them and to be careful. This should be an example of why we should not sweat the small stuff and take eachother for granted beacuse we can be gone in an instant.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:23 AM Medlin Family, Apex, NC wrote ...

We are saddened along with you and are lifting you up through prayer. Michelle - you are a strong faithful woman and God will carry you through this. Never forget this - He is always with you! I read a passage recently that I would like to share. 1 Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." All our love, The Medlin Family

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:41 AM bee wrote ...

TO TRAGIC LOSS:sure lets all stay awake by taking meds.that along with the rest of your comments shows how ignorant you are.what do you want evryone to do?take some speed,youll be much safer?my heartgoes out to this family.he sounds like he was an awesome person and a REAL MAN.VERY CARING.its a loss to everyone.even those that didnt know him.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 12:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

stephanie w. it is possible the force behind a vehicle going that fast, and possibly not even attempting to stop is great! I have seen more than enough accidents in my time working in E.M.S. YES IT IS POSSIBLE AND LIKELY. it would not be a tragic loss for those of you who are leaving unfeeling posts, if you would stop posting on here you unfeeling sub human beings you should care family is reading this! if their was a mistake the family did not do it but are paying by reading comments like yours

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:52 PM Ina wrote ...

http://blainsworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/remembering-dwayne-cross.html You can read the above to get just a note about this young man. We miss your family, Michelle, and have you in our hearts and prayers. Ina

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:35 PM Andrea Unruh Sovern-sister wrote ...

Michelle does check this site,often, to see the well wishes, and more. She truly appreciates all who give well wishes, however she understands the need for debate. A county council and state house are the means for such,'ugly true dangers of inadequate planning and funding' that is the long version. Michelle will say simply, 'the ugliness people are capable of.'In this you see two people who try to fulfill their faith, as they live their lives. Giving, lifting and loving Emily,Jacob and Jonah.

Monday, Oct 13 at 6:42 PM unknown wrote ...

Learn a little about this young man. http://blainsworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/remembering-dwayne-cross.html

Monday, Oct 13 at 3:26 PM Tragic Loss wrote ...

to j, YES IT DOES MATTER who was at fault so that we can try to prevent another such tragedy. People say "it's too soon to talk like this." Well, then WHEN is it right? We talk about it while it is fresh in our minds because in a few days it becomes old news and we go on with our lived and forget this crash. Using this as a learning experience if the way to do things.

Monday, Oct 13 at 2:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Mrs. Cross and kids...Our thought and prayers are with you. You don't know who we are..but we sit by you in church every Sunday. May God be with you and heal your wounded heart!

Monday, Oct 13 at 12:29 PM NIKKI wrote ...

I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF THIS SAD NEWS, CONNER AND ALL THE OTHER CHILDREN HE COACHED IN SOCCER WILL BE SAD TO HEAR THAT A MAN THAT SO OBVIOUSLY LOVED CHILDREN, HAD TO GO SO SOON. THANK YOU DWAYNE FOR ALL YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR CHILDREN! YOU MADE THE "GAME". TO MICHELLE AND KIDS: MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN ALL OF YOUR MEMORIES WITH HIM! PRAYING THAT GOD WILL HELP COMFORT YOU NOW.

Monday, Oct 13 at 12:12 PM LW wrote ...

It is so sad that such a great man was lost. I'm so sorry. My heart hurts for your family. We will be praying for you!

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:34 AM j wrote ...

It doesn't matter who was at fault. The fact still remains that a precious life has been cut short. God bless and comfort the family and friends of Mr. Cross.

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:18 AM someone who cares wrote ...

my heart goes mout to this family. God Speed

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:08 AM Laura L from Raleigh wrote ...

What a huge loss! I hope the Cross family knows that they are deep in my thoughts and prayers. Find your strength in the Lord and the loved ones He has put in your life. Love you!

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:19 AM Tragic Loss wrote ...

to 11:14, thank your for your prayers, we are all in desperate need of them these days. To Sister and Friend, I offer my deepest sympathies and pray for God's goodness to help you all through this tough time.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 11:14 PM To Tragic Loss wrote ...

I intend to continue to pray that the family finds comfort in each others company and support from friends and community members who share their pain. I will also pray for you, and you can rest assured, it won't be by accident because I could avoid it but you are in too deep in need of them.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 10:14 PM A sister & friend wrote ...

When it came to his own and all those who encountered him, whether as a parent, friend, youth minster, pre-school teacher or recess aide. One only needs to see the sparkle of fun in the eyes of child, their open arms to be embraced by true care or hear the giggle of joy as they explore this world, to understand the true gift Dwayne Houston Cross gave this world...his true heart.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 10:08 PM A sister & friend wrote ...

The man I know brought a smile to the heart of another, and a precious child. While he embraced mine,one with severe Autism. The next meeting, was to give the moniker 'the door man' and promise a swirlie to his blonde niece. Since then, I have known true care given to all children Dwayne Cross encounters, including those w/needs. Especially his own,for mere hours before his shift the night before, he was playing in the park with them, as his wife watched. Dwayne found balance,peace and truth.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 10:01 PM to ok enough wrote ...

You need some punctuation in that comment somewhere...I'm just not sure where!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 8:45 PM Ruthi wrote ...

Well said cornfusion. It's sad that some people must be educated to their own ignorance.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 8:02 PM Tragic Loss wrote ...

Cornfusion, I am sorry if my postings upset the family, but this is not the funeral home site, but a public news site. My post was to counter the uneducated who didn't think a small car could damage a larger truck. Accidents are unavoidable. Crashes CAN be prevented. The events you cited are still preventable by meds, watching for deer, etc. My suggestion is to keep the families off this site unless they are willing to read what everyone posts.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 7:45 PM County Jail wrote ...

We love you and we will miss you Cross!! All our prayers are with your family in this time of need! Rest in Peace Brother!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 6:53 PM Steve wrote ...

My deepest sympathy to the family. I'm not saying in any way that this is the cause of this accident, but if it helps someone? I worked shifts for 16 years and know that it is a struggle to keep awake while driving home. A co-worker crashed into a tree one morning seriously injuring himself. I found it was better to travel with somebody if i could, try to grab a coffee not long before the end of shift, chew some gum on the journey, have the radio on and keep the window open. God bless.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 4:50 PM Lisa & Rocky Plummer of LaPaz wrote ...

Our thoughts are with you Michelle, Emily, Jonah, & Jacob! Coach DeWayne will be missed tremendously!!! All children LOVED Coach DeWayne!!!!!!!!!!!! Much love to the Cross Family!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 4:34 PM john wrote ...

you all are in my prayers . what a hugh loss .

Sunday, Oct 12 at 1:47 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

'Tragic Loss'the family is reeling in grief while you describe the event, "with enough speed a little Honda can push a bigger truck" c'mon! That ain't a pretty image and it's not someone YOU love experiencing it. Accidents are unavoidable? He had a seizure, a deer ran out, another car forced him over, who knows, who cares! I'm all for people being responsible, let's start with YOU! Would you like to be RESPONSIBLE for making this family feel worse than they already do, or is it just an accident?

Sunday, Oct 12 at 12:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am so sorry Dwayne ! you were an amazing person always happy and always with your little boys just as a father should be.God bless you Michelle, Jacob Jonah and Emily !He loved you guys more than anything. My heart is crying for you guys.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 11:17 AM Trebor wrote ...

I hear about so many deaths along this road, something needs to be done. I pray for your family, I know this is a horrible loss.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 10:47 AM bee wrote ...

i used to work a 3rd shift job and it is really hard to stay awake driving home.im sorry to the family.ireally wish the media wouldnt report these stories until they have the facts. my son in law lives in lapaz and i was worried it was him.my hearts with this family.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:23 AM Lori from Cary wrote ...

We knew Dwayne when he lived here in NC - he is such a great family man & loves his wife so much. Dwayne, I know you are with Jesus now in heaven... how amazing is that?!! All of us here continue to pray for Dwayne's family during this incredibly difficult time. We will miss you & your laughter!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:05 AM Tragic Loss wrote ...

This is a tragic loss for all involved, but must be looked at practically to prevent such a thing again. This is a crash not an accident. Accidents can't be prevented, crashes can. In all crashes, someone is at fault, that does not make them bad guys. With enough speed a little Honda can push a bigger truck forward and cause damage.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 8:54 AM MISHAWAKA wrote ...

So Sorry for your lost...your family is in our prayers...God Bless...

Sunday, Oct 12 at 7:09 AM Tamera-NDPD wrote ...

My heart is sad for the loss of a great co-worker and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and 3 children. He loved you so very much! He had just told us how much a few hours before. I'm thankful I was able to spend the evening with his cheerfulness! He was on a roll and kept the laughter going all night long! Michelle just know how much he loved you and the kids! Negative comments should be ommited from stories like these! And you should be ashamed for writing them!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 12:58 AM bjk100 wrote ...

I lost 4 members of my family do to an accident like this and it tears a family appart. I feel got these kids and his wife. This is a bad road and even though we drive it a lot we never know what will happen to us on our way home from work. God have mercy on everyone who drives this highway.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 12:20 AM kimberly1 wrote ...

Shame on all of you for the negative comments!!! You don't even know this man. He worked his butt off for his family.His wife, children are grieveing rigt now. Dwayne had the biggest heart and smile that could brighten the room. And a laugh that was infectiuos. What ever the cirmcumstances, keep his family in your prayers. This man was part of my ND Family. So, keep your crappy comments to yourself, and keep praying for his family. I'll miss you terribly D.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 8:39 PM Greg wrote ...

Stay alert and be careful. Bless this man and his family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 6:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

call me crazy but: A 35-year-old man from LaPaz was killed Saturday when his green Honda slammed into the rear of a utility truck stopped along U.S. 31...The LaPaz driver’s Honda slammed into the back of the second truck, pushing it into the first. Not Nipsco's fault, not the roads fault, the guy could have fallen asleep at the wheel. it happens. i feel sorry for his family. but the guy caused the accident. no to ways around that.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:37 PM Father Nitroski wrote ...

This kind of thing happen when you overwork yourself and may he was working 2 shifts straight because the other one did not show up for work. Let us pause and pray to Divine Infant of Prague. Dear Infant Jesus, we pray for this soul that has departed prematurely and are now in purgatory. We pray along with the intersesion of St. Agatha to grant him his pardon for all sins he has committed. May his family find rest and peace while grieving of a relative gone so quick. Holy Mary mother of God pray

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:21 PM W Johnson wrote ...

I might be mistaken but I was under the impression that an accident meant you didn't mean NOT that there is no fault or blame. I am sorry for this family it sounds like he was much loved

Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:17 PM Troy wrote ...

Make the speed limit 25 and then we can save everyone.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:59 PM LifeLine wrote ...

This is so sad. This hard working husband/father worked all night for his family and was coming home to them for a relaxing weekend instead he went home to the Lord. May you find comfort to know his has blest many lives.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:53 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Shortly after noon I tapped in a request that unless people saw the term "non-life threatening injuries" in the story to please refrain from conjecture and conclusions that family and friends might find less than sympathetic. I suggested that there would be plenty of other story's to comment on and to just offer respectful thoughts and move on. And it didn't get printed. Usually I can understand why comments don't make it but the omission of this one just proves the observation I made yesterday.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:32 PM B.A.C. 18 wrote ...

all of u need to SHUT UP! Julie, if the government had done something about the road along timeago this would not have taken place & we who live off of US 31 would not be talking about the road. I learnd as a little kid that I had to pay attetion when I was playing with friends because the road I live on still is a culdesac. and if the government would have add a turn lane more accedents like this will not happen.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:15 PM unknown wrote ...

what a tragic story he was such a good dad.I just want everyone to know that. He coached soccer he was a recess aid at Laville elementary and all the kids loved him ! The lack of his precence will deffinatly be felt. What a kind and loving man. you never know ! everyone just love eachother today.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:57 PM So sorry wrote ...

This is the type of accident I always fear happening to my husband. He is a night shift worker too, and it's all he can do some days to not fall asleep at the wheel. This is nobody's FAULT, people-it's called ACCIDENT for a reason. My heart truly hurts for that family. May God comfort you in this terrible time of grief.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:55 PM Anon wrote ...

I am also saddened by this man's loss to his family, but this is a news site not the funeral home memorial page. It is important to learn from each crash what happened to work to prevent another one. People need to pay attention when driving.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:53 PM Stephanie W wrote ...

In response to some of ur stupid comments (12:00 & 12:02) NIPSCO 2 hit NIPSCO 1 & than the man hit the 2nd truck. Call me crazy but I don't think a little Honda car could push one of the trucks into another to do that much damage. And further more if they had gone on with the turn lane this would not have happened at all. I alone know 3 people that have died & 7 that have been hurt on this road within a 1 mile stretch. Deepest sympathy's to the family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How sad for this mans family and especially for his children. I wonder if he might have fallen asleep or suffered some sort of medical problem. No matter what the reason I am truly sorry for his loved ones. My sympathies go out to his family along with my prayers.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:19 PM Frank wrote ...

Rest in peace young man. I am sorry on behalf of all of us on this forum that your loved ones have to read our bickering amongst ourselves.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 2:07 PM amy wrote ...

Ya know what people just shut your mouths ! this is not about who should have paid attention, I was with this mans little girl this morning she is only 8 and this man also has 2 twin 5 yr old boys who will be so devistated! these boys were always with there daddy he was a wonderful father and devoted to his wife so lets all keep the nasty comments to our selfs and just pray for this greiving family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:44 PM Maple Rd Resident wrote ...

I kind of new something had happened since all the traffic was rerouted down Maple Rd. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Also lets not speculate on why he rear ended that NIPSCO truck, for all we know he could of had some kind of medical problem and blacked out right before impact.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:32 PM ok enough wrote ...

why do you not so smart people go and say that this is the innocent mans fault it isn't that truck made a sudden stop I saw the whole accident happen so don't go saying stuff like he sould have paind attention it was nobodys fault stop playing point your fingers and grow up for heavens sake goodness! God bless the family

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:01 PM Julie wrote ...

OK PEOPLE somebody died, LET'S STOP the crass, rude, NOT necessary comments. If you aren't expressing sympathy or something WORTHWHILE then save your typing. We don't need a discussion on the road or who was at fault. Save it - go comment on some other story. My condolences to the family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

the guy rearended the truch and died. that's hardly the roads fault. i'm surprised you people are blaming NIPSCO for being there trying to make a left. my heart goes out to the family of the man that died and my heart goes out to the people who are ignorant. may god bless you all.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am in agreement with "Pay Attention". People are typically either playing with their radio, cell phone, or whatever else. This is a classis case of someone simply not paying attention. I do feel terrible for the family and what they will ultimately go through. However, blaming the state for this is ridiculous. The only person to blame is the driver.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i dont see how it was a prob with the road when he struck the truck in the rear.....

Saturday, Oct 11 at 11:39 AM jim wrote ...

The state is doing something about the traffic on us 31 and its dangerous nature....building a bigger and more dangerous us 31. My prayers go out to the family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 10:55 AM Pay Attention wrote ...

Not trying to be mean, but people need to pay attention to what is ahead of them.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 10:48 AM Anonymous wrote ...

This is in response to the accident that just occured in front of Sacred Heart Church on U.S. 31 South. Fist my deepest sympathy's to the family and friends of this man. Secondly, as you can see, the accident occured approximently 1 mile north and 1.5 miles south of where the highway department decided to end the turn lanes. Why can't they just extend the turn lane those extra few miles. We drive 1-2 miles out of our way just to come home the back way to avoid turning left onto our road.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:39 AM slickshooter wrote ...

How Many More PEOPLE Need to DIE on 31 Before the state does anything ? I have lost two family members on that Stinking road.

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