Miami County, IN – A two-vehicle crash at US 31 and State Road 16 left one man dead Wednesday morning.
According to Indiana State Police–Peru District, troopers responded to the intersection in Miami County around 11 a.m. after a collision involving a 2021 Lexus and a 2019 Honda CR-V.
A preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Jeremy Perez indicates the Lexus, driven by Larry Durham, 88, of Rochester, was traveling westbound on State Road 16 and allegedly attempted to cross US 31. The vehicle entered the path of a southbound Honda CR-V driven by Joseph Wilhelm, 79, of South Haven, Michigan.
Police said both vehicles collided and came to rest in the southwest quadrant of the intersection.
Wilhelm was pronounced dead at the scene by Parkview EMS. A passenger in the Honda, 78-year-old Barbara Wilhelm of South Haven, was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Durham and his passenger, 85-year-old Virginia Durham of Rochester, were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities stated that alcohol or narcotics are not suspected factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
The intersection is a key connector for regional commuters traveling between Rochester and Peru.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
