Tippecanoe County, Indiana (October 30, 2025) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a tragic collision on Thursday night on Interstate 65 as 34-year-old Mark Tompkins of Ohio. According to the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office, Tompkins died at the scene after his vehicle was struck from behind by a semi-truck near the 176.5-mile marker.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on October 30, when Indiana State Police responded to reports of a collision involving a 2023 Audi SQ5 and a semi-truck on I-65 southbound. Investigators determined that the Audi, driven by Tompkins, was either stopped or slowing in the right lane when it was rear-ended by the semi. The force of the impact pushed both vehicles into an embankment west of the roadway.
Emergency responders pronounced Tompkins deceased at the scene. The semi-truck driver sustained only minor injuries, officials said. The southbound lanes of the interstate were temporarily closed as authorities investigated and cleared the wreckage.
Investigation: The Indiana State Police, in coordination with the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office, continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators will examine factors such as vehicle speed, traffic flow, lighting, and possible mechanical or visibility issues that may have contributed to the collision.
Rear-end crashes involving large commercial vehicles often require detailed analysis of driver logs, onboard electronic data recorders, and braking systems to determine whether the truck driver had sufficient time and distance to react. Toxicology testing and mechanical inspections are also standard in fatal investigations of this nature.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving semi-trucks frequently raise complex liability questions due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles and the federal safety regulations governing their operation. These regulations are designed to prevent catastrophic accidents and protect the public. Under Indiana law, truck drivers and their employers must maintain a proper lookout, which means actively observing the road and surrounding traffic conditions, and ensuring a safe following distance from other vehicles. If driver inattention, fatigue, or excessive speed is found to have played a role, the trucking company may bear civil liability for wrongful death.
The family of Mark Tompkins may have the right to pursue a wrongful death action to seek justice and compensation for their devastating loss. Legal claims can address funeral costs, emotional suffering, and the long-term financial impact on surviving relatives.
My deepest condolences go out to the Thompson family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: Star City TV