Birdseye man LifeFlighted after scooter vs. SUV accident

Birdseye — A Birdseye man was LifeFlighted from the scene of an accident Tuesday night when the scooter he was operating was struck by a small SUV.

Zachary Russell, 23, of 1025E, was westbound on State Road 64 at about 6:12 p.m. when he attempted to turn south on State Road 145 in front of an eastbound 2003 Ford Escape driven by Clarissa A Neal, 25, of W. Leonard Street, Marengo.

Neal told police she saw the scooter turn into her path and attempted to avoid striking it but was unable to do so. The Ford’s front passenger side struck the scooter and on impact Russell was thrown from the scooter.

Russell was Lifeflighted from the scene to St. Mary’s Medical Center due to possible head and leg injuries. He was admitted into the intensive care unit and his condition is considered serious, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Neal was transported to Memorial Hospital due to a complaint of chest pain.

The Ford had about $3,000 in damage and the motor scooter was totaled in the accident, according to police.

The accident is still currently under investigation.

Memorial Hospital Ambulance, St. Marys LifeFlight, Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana State Police, Berg’s Garage, and Dubois County Dispatch all assisted with the incident.