3:30 p.m. update
The Columbus Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that killed a local man earlier this morning. At approximately 9:03 a.m., CPD officers responded to the intersection of 10th Street and Whitfield Drive in regards to a three vehicle crash.
The investigating officers determined that Dennis A. Deffenbaugh, 73, of Columbus exited the Lowes parking lot and was traveling southbound when his 1995 Ford F250 collided in the intersection with a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by Nicoleta D. Dailey, 39, of Hope, who was traveling west on 10th Street.
After the impact of the crash, Dailey’s vehicle struck a 2012 Mercedes GL450 sport utility vehicle, driven by Lorena V. Baird, 49, of Columbus, who was traveling east on 10th Street and stopped in the left turn lane on the west side of the intersection.
Deffenbaugh was deceased at the scene of the crash. Dailey was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital and later transferred to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment.
Baird sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by Columbus Police Department crash reconstructionists.
The following agencies also assisted: Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Regional Hospital EMS, Indiana State Police, IU Health Lifeline, and the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office.
2:15 p.m. update
Bartholomew County Coroner Clayton Nolting has identified the victim in a fatal accident at 10th Street and Whitfield Drive this morning.
Nolting identified the victim as Dennis Deffenbaugh, 73, Columbus.
According to Nolting, at 9:03 a.m. Monday, Deffenbaugh was leaving the Lowe’s parking lot in a pickup truck and entered the intersection where the truck collided with a red Chevy Blazer. A third vehicle is also shown in photographs as being involved in the accident. Reconstructionists from the Columbus Police Department with the assistance of the ISP are still investigating the accident.
Deffenbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene by Nolting. Deffenbaugh was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident, Nolting said. Cause of death is listed at blunt force trauma to the chest and upper cervical spine, the coroner said. Manner of death is listed as accidental at this time. Toxicology testing will take two weeks, Nolting said.
10 a.m. update:
The intersection of Whitfield and 10th is expected to be closed for the next two hours as investigation continues into the fatal accident which was reported at 9:03 a.m. today.
The victim in the three-vehicle crash has been identified as a male.
An individual injured in the accident has been transported to IU-Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with a head injury and broken arm.
A third individual is being treated for a complaint of pain.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
9:30 p.m. update:
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The accident at 10th and Whitfield streets involves three vehicles and one person has died.
The accident was reported at 9:03 a.m.
Traffic is being diverted at 10th Street and Marr Road.
First responders are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible.
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police and firefighters are at the scene of an accident involving serious injuries at 10th and Whitfield streets, in front of the east-side Walmart, reported just after 9 a.m. today.
Street crews are blocking off lanes in the area and an accident reconstructionist has been requested.
Lifeline Helicopter was initially requested but could not respond due to weather conditions.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
