South Bend, IN – Authorities have released new details in an ongoing investigation into a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 26-year-old man in South Bend over the weekend.
According to the South Bend Police Department, officers responded around 4:45 p.m. Sunday, June 21, to the intersection of Sample and Michigan streets after receiving reports of a person struck by a vehicle.
Police identified the victim as Christopher Kyle Windham, 26. Officers found Windham suffering from severe injuries at the scene. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities said his family has been notified.
According to an initial investigation conducted by the St. Joseph County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT), Windham was riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle that had stopped at a red light at the intersection. Investigators said Windham exited the vehicle and walked to the passenger side of a truck that was being driven by someone he knew.
For reasons that remain under investigation, police said Windham attempted to pull on the truck’s door handle as the vehicle began moving when the traffic signal turned green.
Witnesses told investigators that Windham held onto the door handle while running alongside the truck before falling and being struck by the vehicle.
Authorities stated that all individuals involved in the incident have been identified and that those involved knew one another prior to the crash.
The St. Joseph County FACT team continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. No additional information has been released, and officials have not announced whether any charges are expected.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact local authorities
