Fatal crash in Huntington County

UPDATE: Nearlean C. Walker, age 81, of Kokomo, Indiana, was the unrestrained driver of a Chrysler Aspen SUV that was stopped at the stop sign on CR 750 N and US 24. She proceeded to enter the travel lanes of southbound US 24 to cross over into the northbound lanes, when prior to reaching the crossover, was struck near the rear tire on the driver’s side by a southbound Ford F-250 pickup truck operated by Jaiden Eckert, age 17, of Huntington, Indiana, who was restrained. The Chrysler came to rest in the asphalt crossover after impact. The Ford proceeded to travel approximately 200 feet before coming to rest on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of US 24. Mr. Eckert was transported to a Fort Wayne hospital for non-life-threatening medical treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts conducted by law enforcement and first responders, Mrs. Walker was pronounced deceased at the scene by medics from Parkview Huntington Hospital. Her cause of death is blunt force traumatic injuries, and the manner of death is accidental. The investigation into the crash is ongoing by the Huntington County Sheriff’s Office F.A.C.T. and Huntington County Coroner’s Office, who extend their deepest sympathies to the Walker family and friends. ORIGINAL RELEASE: HUNTINGTON COUNTY, IN- On Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, at approximately 5:15pm a Chrysler Aspen was stopped at the STOP sign on CR 750 N and US 24 in Huntington County. The Chrysler proceeded to enter the travel lanes of westbound US 24 to cross over into the eastbound lanes. Prior to reaching the crossover on US 24, the Chrysler was struck near the rear tire on the driver's side by a westbound Ford F-250. The Chrysler came to rest in the asphalt crossover after the impact. The Ford proceeded to travel approximately 200 feet before coming to rest on the shoulder of the westbound lanes of US 24. The driver of the Ford was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the Chrysler was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chrysler was unrestrained in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The incident is currently under investigation by the Huntington County Sheriff's Office.