Iraq veteran killed in LaPorte County crash

Tribune Staff Report

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By SBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Dec 2, 2008 at 5:11 AM EST

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2008 at 8:51 AM EST

LAPORTE — Snow and alcohol were apparent factors in a single-vehicle crash Monday that killed a LaPorte man who fought in Iraq.

Benjamin McClanahan, 24, an Iraq war veteran, was identified with help from a tattoo of his military I.D. tags engraved on his abdomen, said John Sullivan, LaPorte County chief deputy coroner.

According to LaPorte County Police, McClanahan was northbound about 1:40 a.m. and veered off Indiana 39 to his right near County Road 400 South.

His pickup truck traveled 315 feet off the road and hit a rock-covered embankment in front of a residence. The vehicle then went airborne and came to rest on its side, police said.

Sullivan said McClanahan had a blood-alcohol level of 0.3 percent, nearly four times the legal limit in Indiana.

Sullivan said family members last saw McClanahan about 4 p.m. Sunday.

Sullivan said McClanahan was a lifelong resident of Wanatah who had recently moved to LaPorte.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 12:20 PM RP Geocachers wrote ...

Our deepest sympathy to Bens family. We will always remember the sacrifices made by such a brave young man, may he rest in peace for eternity.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 2:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

ben, ill miss you so much. you will never be forgotten. it breaks my heart that your were taken from us so young, but i know you are in a better place and will never have to suffer again. love and miss you so much

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:43 AM What a shame wrote ...

My thoughts are with the family. Drinking does so many awful things to families. Please people think before you get selfish and drink. The ones left are the ones who pay the price. My the family find peace with all of this.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 8:12 AM GySgt USMC wrote ...

Rest well, your job here is done. Your demons are at slain. May your family know the peace you did not.

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