NEW PALESTINE – The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash early Sunday morning on U.S. 52 that took the life of a New Palestine woman.
First-responders were called to the area of 2800 West U.S. 52 for a two-vehicle, head-on crash around 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17. The location is about two miles east of New Palestine.
The crash involved a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox occupied by two adult males, and a 2012 Ford Escape occupied by one female. All of them were transported to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
The driver and only occupant of the Ford Escape was identified as Peggy Brune, 69, New Palestine. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to Capt. Robert Harris, public information officer for the sheriff’s department, the Ford Escape was eastbound on U.S. 52, and the Chevrolet Equinox was traveling west. The Equinox apparently crossed the center line into the path of the Escape. Evidence at the scene indicates the driver of the Escape tried to move to the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision. The impact occurred in the eastbound lane. Investigators aren’t certain why the Equinox crossed into the path of the other vehicle, although weather conditions may have played a factor.
The two people in the Equinox suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was identified as Michael L. Wilcox, 66, Fountaintown. The passenger was identified as his son, Michael A. Wilcox, 45, Fountaintown. The driver is cooperating with the investigation.
Harris said drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is continuing.
U.S. 52 was closed for a about two hours while officers from the Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team investigated.
