Truck driver killed in Highway 56 accident

The driver of a tractor-trailer was killed in a single vehicle accident east of Haysville on Highway 56 Thursday.

According to State Police, Donald R. Humphrey, 50, East 4th Street, Jasper, was driving westbound on State Road 56, east of County Road 175 East, when he lost control of his tractor-trailer in Sendelweck Curve. The truck rolled onto the driver’s side as Humphrey attempted to negotiate the curve and slid nearly 70 feet off of the south side of the roadway.

An Indiana State Trooper on routine patrol found the crash shortly after it occurred. He climbed into the cab of the truck through the back glass and attempted to revive Humphrey.

The trooper’s attempts were unsuccessful and Humphrey was later pronounced dead at the scene.

State Road 56 was closed for nearly five hours while crews removed the vehicle and turkeys from the scene.

The truck, owned by Tri-State Live Haul, was loaded with 924 turkeys. Numerous birds were destroyed as a result of the crash and most were considered a loss.

Indiana State Police, Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Haysville Fire Volunteer Fire Department, Memorial Emergency Medical Service and Dubois County Coroner’s Office responded.

There have been three accidents on that section of Highway 56 since November. A semi-tractor trailer hauling feed rolled over there last week injuring the driver who had to be extricated.

According to Indiana State Police Information Officer Philip Hensley, accidents occur in that area due to the speed vehicles approach the curve. Drivers get “spooked” and hit their brakes, causing them to lose control of their vehicles.