S 24, EAST OF GOODLAND (05-14-18  0928hrs )

On Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 4:30PM, the Newton County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 center received reports of a head on collision on US 24, east of Goodland, IN involving a semi and passenger vehicle.

Witnesses indicated the 2012 GMC SUV, driven by 39 year old Patrick Gaskill, was traveling west bound on US 24 and veered into the path of an east bound 2005 Kenworth driven by, 56 year old John Cooper of Chicago, IL.  

Gaskill was pronounced dead at the scene.  Cooper refused medical treatment at the scene.

Though the contents of the tanker (Sulfer Dioxide) were labeled as HAZMAT, no contents were released in the crash.  However, the release of diesel fuel was deemed a hazard and addressed by the Goodland Fire Department and Newton County Emergency Management Agency.

The cause of this crash remains under investigation.

US 24 was closed for approximately six hours for investigation and removal of the vehicles.

Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by the Indiana State Police, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Newton County EMS, Goodland Fire Dept, Kentland Fire Dept,  Newton County Coroner’s Office,  Emergency Management, Indiana Department of Transportation and Village Motors Towing.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.