La Porte County Sheriff’s Department Investigates Fatality Accident

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department investigated a fatality accident that occurred shortly after midnight Sunday, February 26 in the 3000 North block of U.S. 35 in La Porte County.

Police say a tan 2000 Chevrolet was traveling south on U.S. 35 and for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the southbound lane, traveled off the west side of the roadway and struck a tree.  The vehicle continued and struck a second tree before coming to rest in a wooded area, according to the report.

Police say a 7-year-old girl sustained fatal injuries and died at the hospital. She was a rear seat occupant of the vehicle along with an 8-year-old boy who sustained minor injuries. The boy was treated and released from the hospital.

The driver, 42-year-old Dawn Coleman of Walkerton, was transported to a regional area hospital for treatment of serious injures. A passenger, 45-year-old Alfred Jones of Chicago, was airlifted to a regional area hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the report. No further information is being released. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by the La Porte City Police Department, La Porte County EMS, La Porte County Coroner’s Office, Center Township and Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Departments, Memorial MedFlight, and Quick’s Towing.