April 23, 2019: A southbound semi-truck struck a stranded motorist on I-65 late Thursday night, killing a Henryville, Indiana man.
Around 11:07 p.m. Thursday, the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg (ISP) responded to a crash on I-65 southbound near the seven mile-marker. Responding units quickly shut down I-65 southbound at the nine mile-marker, and requested ISP crash reconstructionists and a commercial motor vehicle inspector to assist. The interstate remained closed for approximately four hours.
The preliminary investigation shows a brown, 2000, Buick La Sabre, driven by Cody William Whitehead, 24, of Henryville, Indiana, was stationary on the side of the roadway in the emergency lane with its hazard lights activated.
Investigators believe Mr. Whitehead’s car ran out of gas, and he was waiting in his vehicle after calling for assistance. Shortly after 11 p.m., a gray 2018 Freightliner semi-truck, driven by Matthew T. Zartman, 30, of Burnsville, North Carolina, crossed over the fog line for an unknown reason, striking the Buick and pushing it into the guardrail on the west side of I-65.
The Buick came to rest partially in the right-hand lane and was then struck by a 2013 Ford Transit and a 2007 Freightliner who were both unable to avoid the collision.
Mr. Whitehead was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. Next of kin was notified by the coroner’s office and ISP. No other drivers were injured.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors in this crash; however, blood results are pending.
No citations or charges have yet been filed, but the investigation is on-going.
ISP was assisted by units from the Sellersburg Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the Tri-Township Fire Department, and the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
