AUBURN, Ind. (ADAMS) – An 82-year-old Auburn man has died after being struck by an SUV Tuesday night.
According to Indiana State Police, James Hatfield walked toward Main Street and ran into the path of the SUV.
The driver remained on site and cooperated with the police.
The Indiana State Police announced:
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Indiana State Police and Auburn Police Department responded to the 1400 block of North Main Street to investigate a reported accident involving a car and a pedestrian near the Matthews Cove intersection.
When officers arrived at the scene, they initially found an unconscious elderly man lying on the ground being cared for by Good Samaritans. This was the pedestrian who was struck. He was identified as James W. Hatfield, 82, of Auburn.
Auburn Police officers, DeKalb Parkview EMS and Auburn Fire Department personnel attempted to render life-saving medical aid, but the DeKalb County Coroner pronounced Hatfield dead at the scene.
The driver and vehicle involved were identified as James Schmucker, 56, of Fort Wayne, driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Schmucker was not injured in the crash and has fully cooperated with investigators.
The Indiana State Police took over the entire accident investigation. Preliminary investigations revealed that Schmucker was driving his Chevy Trailblazer southbound on Main Street just north of the Matthew Cove intersection. James Hatfield entered Main Street on foot in the southbound lane and crossed directly into the path of the oncoming Trailblazer. Schmucker’s vehicle struck Hatfield with its bumper. Schmucker came to a stop just off the roadway and Hatfield’s body remained in the roadway.
Investigators do not suspect excessive speed or chemical impairment as a cause of the crash, but the DeKalb County Coroner performed an autopsy on the deceased today, which included toxicology testing. Schmucker also submitted to a chemical test for intoxication, which is required by Indiana law for all drivers involved in crashes that result in serious injury or death. All toxicology testing is pending at this time.
Shortly after the crash, the Hatfield family was notified.
There is no further information about the release.
The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Auburn Police and Fire Departments, Parkview DeKalb EMS and the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office.
