SEYMOUR — Indiana State Police-Versailles Post troopers investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash in the northbound lanes of I-65 just south of Seymour at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
The initial investigation indicated that a black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, being driven by Austin Cooper, 22, Austin, was traveling northbound in the right lane of I-65 near the 48 mile marker, said Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, state police spokesman. A white 2018 GMC Terrain, being driven by Jacob Kelly, 31, Indianapolis, was traveling northbound in the left lane of I-65 at the same location. Evidence from the scene, including video footage captured by another vehicle, indicated that the two drivers began accelerating rapidly and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass.
Cooper’s vehicle then began to change lanes into the path of Kelly’s vehicle. Jacob Kelly lost control of his vehicle and spun, which resulted in the two vehicles colliding in the middle of the northbound lanes. Kelly’s vehicle rolled, which resulted in a female passenger, Ashlea Albertson, 24, Greenfield, being ejected from the vehicle, Wheeles said. Cooper’s vehicle left the east side of the roadway and came to rest in a field.
Kelly and Albertson were both flown from the scene to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. After arriving at the hospital, Albertson was pronounced deceased. Kelly was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Cooper and a juvenile passenger were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where they were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Both drivers in the crash submitted to blood tests. Toxicology results are pending at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing by troopers and the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review for possible charges.
Ashlea Albertson’s family has been notified.
The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately three hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour Police Department, Seymour Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Howard’s Wrecker Service, and 31 Wrecker Service.
