Greensberg, IN (March 14, 2026) – Authorities have identified 69-year-old Deaver Jones of St. Paul, Indiana, as the pedestrian who died after being struck by a semi-truck in Decatur County.
Incident Details: According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred around 4 p.m. on March 14, 2026, at the intersection of State Road 3 and Freeland Road in Greensburg. Investigators reported that Jones was crossing the roadway when he was struck by a northbound semi-truck driven by 53-year-old Rex Hewitt.
Jones suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital in Indianapolis, where he later died around 9 p.m. The semi-truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators.
Investigation: The Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Crash Reconstruction Team is continuing to investigate the fatal pedestrian collision. Because the crash involved a commercial semi-truck on a state highway, investigators will closely examine both the driver’s conduct and the roadway conditions.
Authorities will likely review several key factors, including:
- Pedestrian crossing location—determining whether Jones was in a marked or unmarked crossing area and whether it was safe to cross at that location.
- Driver visibility and awareness—evaluating whether the semi-truck driver had a clear line of sight and sufficient time to react.
- Vehicle speed and stopping distance—analyzing whether the truck was traveling at a safe speed for the conditions and whether braking occurred before impact.
- Commercial vehicle operation—reviewing the driver’s training, logbooks, and compliance with federal trucking safety regulations.
- Roadway conditions and lighting—assessing whether visibility, signage, or roadway design contributed to the crash.
The results of this investigation will help determine whether any traffic laws were violated and whether charges may be filed.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving semi-trucks and pedestrians often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians, particularly at intersections and known crossing areas.
If investigators determine that the semi-truck driver failed to maintain proper awareness, was traveling too fast for conditions, or otherwise acted negligently, Deaver Jones’s surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
At the same time, liability in pedestrian cases can depend on multiple factors, including where the pedestrian was crossing and whether both parties followed traffic laws, making these cases highly fact-specific.
My sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Deaver Jones as they cope with this loss. I hope they are able to find strength and support during this difficult time.
Source: National Today