Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon on US 50 in western Ripley County. According to the Indiana State Police – Versailles District, emergency personnel were dispatched shortly before 3:00 p.m. to US 50 at County Road 600 West, near Holton, following reports of a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial motor vehicle.
Initial responders located both vehicles overturned—one in the roadway and the other off the north side of the highway. Officials confirmed that the driver of the passenger vehicle, identified as 37-year-old Tyler Dukes of Madison, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities stated that his family has been notified.
The driver of the commercial vehicle, identified as 26-year-old Richard Murray of Spring Hill, was transported to Margaret Mary Health in Batesville for treatment. Officials reported that his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The Indiana State Police-Versailles District Crash Reconstruction Team responded to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that Dukes was traveling eastbound on US 50 in a 2008 Mercury Mariner when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2022 Volvo truck pulling a trailer. The vehicles collided in the westbound lane.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Toxicology results for both drivers are pending, and no further conclusions have been released at this time.
Several local agencies assisted at the scene, including the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, Holton Fire Department, Versailles Fire Department, Ripley County EMS, and the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.
Officials have not released additional details as they continue to examine evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. Motorists traveling through the area experienced temporary delays while emergency crews worked at the scene.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available through official sources.