James L. Barnes Obituary, Death – Authorities in St. Joseph County are investigating a tragic two-vehicle collision that resulted in one fatality and several injuries late Wednesday night. According to the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT), the crash occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Mayflower Road near Belleville Drive, just north of the bypass. Emergency crews responded to reports of a serious crash involving an SUV and a pickup truck, both of which sustained significant damage.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that a 48-year-old woman driving an SUV had just exited the bypass and was heading north on Mayflower Road when the collision occurred. At the same time, a pickup truck driven by a 63-year-old man was traveling southbound on Mayflower. For reasons still under investigation, the truck reportedly crossed the centerline and struck the SUV head-on.
The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, leading to multiple injuries. FACT officials confirmed that both drivers were hurt in the crash, along with a passenger inside the SUV. The passenger, identified as 58-year-old James L. Barnes of South Bend, sustained critical injuries. Emergency personnel provided medical aid at the scene before transporting all involved parties to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Despite efforts by medical staff, Barnes later passed away from the injuries he suffered during the collision. The St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity, and family members were notified soon after.
Investigators say the other two individuals—both the SUV driver and the pickup truck driver—also sustained injuries, though the extent of their conditions has not been disclosed publicly. FACT continues to gather details about the events leading up to the crash, including examining roadway conditions, vehicle data, and possible contributing factors such as speed, driver impairment, or mechanical failure.
Authorities have not yet determined why the pickup truck crossed into the opposite lane, and investigators are awaiting results from several forensic tests that could help clarify the sequence of events. As part of their standard process, FACT officers are also reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage from nearby areas that may shed light on the moments before the collision.
The section of Mayflower Road where the crash took place was temporarily closed overnight while first responders and investigators worked to secure the area and clear the damaged vehicles. Traffic was redirected until the roadway was reopened early Thursday morning.
Officials expressed condolences to the family of James Barnes, noting that fatal crashes have a lasting impact not only on the victims’ families but also on the entire community. They also reminded drivers to stay alert, especially when traveling along two-lane roads where crossing the centerline can have devastating consequences.
This crash adds to a string of recent roadway incidents in the region, prompting renewed discussions among local safety advocates about potential road improvements and enforcement strategies aimed at reducing head-on collisions.
FACT investigators emphasized that their work remains ongoing and that a full report will be released once all evidence is reviewed. In the meantime, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles involved shortly before the collision to contact law enforcement with information that could assist the investigation.
Authorities said it could take several weeks before the final findings are made public, as they continue to analyze data and reconstruct the crash. No charges or citations have been issued at this time, pending the outcome of the full investigation.
For now, St. Joseph County officials are urging residents to drive cautiously and obey all traffic regulations, emphasizing that attentiveness behind the wheel can be the key to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
