Driver in fatal accident identified; family notified
The driver killed last night in a two-vehicle crash just north of Dale has been identified.
According to the Spencer County Coroner’s Office, Melanie M. Rothery, 41, Oregon City, Oregon, died at the scene of yesterday’s 7:18 p.m. crash.
State Police investigators report that Rothery had stopped her 1994 Subaru Legacy on the southbound shoulder of US 231, approximately one half mile south of Interstate 64.
Rothery attempted to pull back onto US 231 to turn east on County Road 2050 North, but failed to see a southbound 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer as she was crossing the lanes. Rothery pulled directly in front of the truck and was struck in the driver’s door.
The driver of the Peterbilt, David Wolfkiel, 66, of Owensboro, attempted to avoid the collision by merging into passing lane but was unable to avoid the crash. The Peterbilt struck the Subaru’s driver’s side at a right angle and pushing it into the median.
Rothery was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolfkiel had a complaint of pain to a leg but was treated at the scene and released.
Rothery’s family has been notified.
Indiana State Police were assisted at the scene by the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Dale and Santa Claus Police Departments, Carter Township Fire Department, Spencer County EMS and Coroner.
Thank you for your nice comments. She was my best friend .She just celebrated a year with her new heart transplant. Everyone who knows her is devastated. She was a bigger than life kind of person. She collected money to feed the homeless every friday in memory of her brother(32) who died 3 months ago. Very sad!!