The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department investigated a fatal accident early Wednesday morning in the 6300 W. block of U.S. 30 involving a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle.
Police say that around 7:50 a.m. CT a white 2019 Mack semi-tractor, driven by David E. Sutton, of Fulton, Indiana, was pulling a white 2015 Hyundai trailer when he exited the Plaza 30 Truck Stop. He was beginning to travel eastbound on U.S. 30 when the trailer separated from the truck in the eastbound lane, just east of the truck stop entrance/exit.
It was then when a black 2022 Kia, driven by 36-year-old Angela J. Oehmen, of Wanatah, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 30 and collided with the rear of the trailer in the eastbound U.S. 30 driving lane, according to the report.
Oehman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 14-year-old son, Joseph I. Oehmen, a front seat passenger in the vehicle, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Police say a second juvenile in the vehicle sustained an upper body injury and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Families of the victims have the option of filing a lawsuit with the help of a wrongful death attorney.
Sutton was not injured in the accident.
The eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 were closed for several hours for the initial investigation.
Toxicology test results are pending. The crash investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by the Indiana State Police, La Porte County Coroner’s Office, La Porte County EMS, Starke County EMS, Cass-Clinton and Hanna Township Volunteer Fire Departments, John’s Garage, and Indiana Department of Transportation.
