Tower Down - 01.18.24 (IN) "Updated 01.22.24"

[TowForce]

 

 

Tow truck driver killed in crash on Indiana Toll Road

 

LAGRANGE COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - Indiana State Police say a tow truck driver is dead after a crash Thursday morning on the Indiana Toll Road in LaGrange County.

Police say crews were at mile maker 114.2 around 9:40 a.m. cleaning up a diesel spill and removing a semi from the center median that crashed earlier in the morning when the driver of an eastbound 2021 white Dodge Ram towing an enclosed trailer lost control.

The Dodge went through the median and sideswiped the tow truck that was parked on the inside shoulder of the westbound lanes. After hitting the tow truck, police say the Dodge struck the tow truck driver and the semi from the earlier crash.

The tow truck driver, identified as 63-year-old Martin Troyer of Sturgis, Mich., was pronounced dead at the scene. A worker with the remediation company cleaning the diesel spill also received injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police say roads were slick at the time of the crash due to the snow. Troopers believe the driver of the Dodge, a 31-year-old New York man, was traveling too fast for the weather conditions.

Indiana State Police are handling the investigation and will pass all information along to the LaGrange County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

The left lane of westbound traffic was restricted after the crash but reopened at approximately 1:45 p.m.

RESOURCE LINK

Martin James Troyer age 63 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024 in LaGrange County due to injuries sustained in an automobile pedestrian accident on the Indiana Toll Road. At the time of the accident Martin was assisting on a wrecker call.

He was born March 29, 1960 in Elkhart, Indiana son of the late Paul James “Jim” and Nancy (Johnson) Troyer.

Martin was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1978.

On May 4, 2001 he married Teri Sue Husband in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Martin retired in 2019 from the LaGrange County Highway Department following 10 years of dedicated employment. Prior to joining the Highway Department he began his working life at the age of 15 with the Dave Sturgis family and Prairie Edge Farms where he worked for 25 years. Following his retirement and not being one to just sit around he helped his good friend, Tim Grate with Grates Wrecker Service in LaGrange, Indiana.

He enjoyed following the stock market and delving into finance and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle until carpal tunnel and back issues forced him to stop. Martin truly loved farming and was happiest when he was on a tractor or operating heavy equipment. Those who knew Martin will forever remember his desire to help others.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife: Teri Sue; step-sons: Jacob (Stephanie) Doubblestein of West Melbourne, Florida and Andrew (Gwen) Doubblestein of Union; grandchildren: Mia, Isaac, Bo and Ian; mother: Nancy Troyer of Sturgis; sister: Karen (Jay) VanVlerah of Loveland, Colorado; brothers: Marc Troyer of Goshen, Indiana and Jeffery (Lisa) Troyer of Clover, South Carolina; niece and nephews: Anna Troyer, Samuel Troyer, Joshua (Sarah) VanVlerah and Tyler VanVlerah; great nephew: Jack VanVlerah.

He was preceded in death by his father: Paul Troyer and sister-in-law: Cherry Troyer.

In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, January 26th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Martin James Troyer will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 27th at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Dr. David Weber will officiate. A continued time of fellowship and the sharing of a meal will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Martin’s memory consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

RESOURCE LINK

[SammyWebber]

So sorry for the loss of another Brother, praying for the families 😢, 🙏 

[hookrite]

Prayers for All

[mooresbp]

Our thoughts and prayers

[TowForce]

FUNERAL HOME

Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Hackman Chapel

114 S Nottawa St

Sturgis, Michigan

 

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Jan. 26, 2024

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hackman Chapel

 

Memorial service

Jan. 27, 2024

11:00 a.m.

1ST Presbyterian Church

1320 S. Lakeview Avenue, Sturgis, MI 49091

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/martin-troyer-obituary?id=54158608