Wednesday at approximately 4:15 pm, the Indiana State Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two vehicle personal injury crash on US 50 at County Road 1050 West that ultimately claimed the life of a 50 year old Ohio man.
The initial investigation by Troopers Jacob Tolle and Matt Holley, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team, indicated that a white 2013 Freightliner semi pulling a flatbed trailer, being driven by Christopher M. McClain, age 24, Merrillville, Indiana was traveling westbound on US 50.
A red 2013 Volvo semi pulling a box trailer, being driven by Jerome M. Sharkey, age 50, West Chester, Ohio was traveling eastbound on US 50.
As both vehicles passed through a construction zone where bridge replacement was taking place, the vehicles struck each other in the roadway. McClain’s flatbed trailer struck the cab of Sharkey’s vehicle entrapping Sharkey in his vehicle. He was extricated from his vehicle and transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana. Sharkey was later transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana where he later passed away as a result of his injuries. McClain was not injured in the crash.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing to determine which vehicle crossed the centerline and why the crash occurred. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors but toxicology tests are pending at this time.
The Starkey family has been notified.
Troopers Tolle and Holley were assisted by Trooper Michael Thiron, Indiana State Police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour Police Department, Jackson County EMS, Brownstown Fire Department, Carr Township Fire Department, Driftwood Township Fire Department, and Owen Township Fire Department.
