A four-vehicle crash on US 31, south of Seymour claimed the life of a Scott County man last Wednesday afternoon, April 13.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police indicated that a 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, being driven by Ronnie Brickley Jr, 43, of Scottsburg was traveling northbound on US 31, south of County Road 275 North (Farmington Road), according to ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles. For an unknown reason, Brickley’s vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a southbound 2015 Kenworth dump truck being driven by Larry Pike, 74, of Seymour.
Brickley’s vehicle struck the side of Pike’s vehicle before it traveled into the path of a southbound 2020 Kenworth dump truck being driven by Nicolas Merritt, 31, Seymour. Despite Merritt taking evasive action, Brickley’s vehicle and Merritt’s vehicle struck head on. After the vehicles collided, Merritt’s vehicle left the roadway before coming to a stop.
Brickley’s vehicle came to rest in the road. A fourth vehicle, a 2007 Kia Sportage, being driven by Lawanda Halfacre, 62, Deputy was traveling northbound on US 31 behind Brickley, sustained minor damage when it was struck by debris.
Brickley sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office. Pike and Merritt were not injured in the crash. Halfacre sustained minor injuries in the collision.
Both dump trucks were owned by King’s Excavation of Seymour. US 31 was closed for approximately four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash, but toxicology results are pending at this time.