David Zinkie Obituary, Death – A multi-vehicle crash in LaGrange County left one man dead and several others injured on Wednesday afternoon, according to Indiana State Police (ISP). Authorities say the collision, which took place along U.S. Highway 20 near County Road 350 W, unfolded just before 3 p.m. during a period of slowed traffic caused by ongoing construction in the area.
The chain reaction crash began as several vehicles came to a stop in the westbound lanes of U.S. 20. Police said traffic had slowed significantly because of roadwork, and drivers were lined up waiting for clearance to continue moving. Among those stopped was a Kia operated by a 41-year-old Mishawaka woman, a motorcycle driven by a 67-year-old LaGrange man, and a Chrysler Pacifica driven by a 35-year-old LaGrange woman.
Investigators said the situation turned deadly when a semi-truck approached the stopped vehicles but failed to slow down in time. The truck, driven by a 42-year-old Wawaka man, struck the rear of the Chrysler Pacifica. The force of the collision pushed the Chrysler forward into the motorcycle, directly impacting its rider. The momentum then shoved the Chrysler into the eastbound lanes, where it collided with a pickup truck being driven by a 46-year-old man from Knox.
The pickup truck driver and a passenger traveling with him were both hurt during the crash. Emergency crews transported them to a nearby hospital, where officials later confirmed they were treated for their injuries and released.
Meanwhile, the motorcyclist sustained severe trauma in the crash. He was identified by police as 67-year-old David Zinkie of LaGrange. After being critically injured, Zinkie was airlifted to Parkview Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was later pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed that his family had been notified of his passing.
The semi-truck driver and the occupants of the Chrysler and Kia did not report serious injuries, according to preliminary details shared by investigators. ISP noted that while some involved in the crash sustained minor injuries, none were life-threatening beyond those suffered by Zinkie.
U.S. 20 was temporarily shut down in both directions while law enforcement officers, emergency medical crews, and fire personnel responded to the scene. The road closure allowed for victims to be transported, wreckage to be cleared, and accident reconstruction teams to document evidence. The crash left debris scattered across both sides of the highway, making cleanup extensive and time-consuming.
Authorities said the semi driver’s failure to stop in time appears to have been the triggering factor in the fatal crash, though the investigation is still ongoing. ISP traffic reconstruction specialists are examining the scene, gathering witness statements, and reviewing the condition of the vehicles involved to piece together the exact chain of events. It is not yet clear if speeding, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role in the semi’s inability to stop.
Police reminded drivers to remain alert when approaching construction zones and to be especially mindful of reduced or stopped traffic in such areas. Crashes of this nature, they noted, often occur when drivers fail to anticipate sudden slowdowns caused by roadwork.
The tragic death of Zinkie marks another serious incident on Indiana’s highways, with ISP once again urging drivers of all vehicle types—from passenger cars to large trucks—to take extra care on busy routes. While investigators continue their work, officials say no charges have yet been filed, but the findings of the ongoing investigation will determine whether further action is taken.
For now, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Indiana State Police post in Fort Wayne.
This devastating crash highlights the dangers of chain-reaction collisions, particularly when large vehicles are involved, and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly roadway conditions can turn fatal.
