UTV driver dies from injuries sustained in crash

The driver of a utility terrain vehicle struck by an SUV last Thursday died from his injuries Thursday evening.

Edgar V. Ebert, 74, of Ferdinand, died at 6:43 p.m. CDT at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville from blunt force trauma suffered in the Sept. 17 accident.

A passenger, Leroy Witte, 71, of County Road 300N, Ireland, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He suffered injuries to his head and chest in the collision that occurred on State Road 162 near Ferdinand.

According to authorities, Ebert was northbound on the shoulder of State Road 162 in a 2015 Polaris Ranger 325cc UTV at about 12:35 p.m. on Thursday. When he attempted to cross the road, the Polaris was struck by a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Sally Jo Stout, 29, of Giesler Road, Jasper, that was also northbound on State Road 162.

Investigators believe that Ebert was attempting to turn west onto County Road 815S when he crossed the highway in the path of the SUV.

Ebert was LifeFlighted to St. Mary’s Medical Center for injuries he received in the accident. Witte was taken to Memorial Hospital by ambulance for his injuries and then transferred by helicopter to St. Mary’s as well.

A dog in the UTV was killed in the accident, according to authorities.

Stout was not injured in the accident.

Both vehicles were considered a total loss.

Ferdinand Police Department, Ferdinand First Responders, Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services, and a Uebelhor and Sons wrecker assisted at the scene.