Monday evening, April 27th, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Indiana State Police and Spencer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 162 North of State Road 62. This is just West of Saint Meinrad.
Preliminary investigation indicated Amber Gogel, 37, of Dale, was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Northbound on SR 162 and Amanda Kern, 40, of Dale, was driving a 2014 Dodge Durango Southbound on SR 162. The Trailblazer allegedly went left of center, striking the Durango head-on in the Southbound lane. Gogel died on scene from her injuries. Kern was transported to Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper by ambulance for serious injuries and is listed in “Stable Condition.”
Authorities have made death notifications to the family and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning. This crash is still under investigation.
Investigating Officer: Trooper Levi Hupp, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers: Senior Trooper Tatum Rohlfing and Trooper Jack Fischer
Assisting Agencies: Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Claus Police Department, Spencer County Coroner, Spencer County EMS, and Jaws Towing of Santa Claus.
