News Release

ROCHESTER — A fatal crash Saturday, Aug. 15, claimed the life of a Culver man.

This marks the third crash at the intersection of US 31 and SR 110, Rochester, in the past week according to Fulton County Sheriff Christopher Sailors.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:18 p.m.

Ralph Winters, 84, Culver, a passenger in a Honda Pilot, was flown by Samaritan Air Ambulance to South Bend Memorial Hospital where he died from injuries due to the crash.

Barbara Winters, 83, Culver, driver of the Honda was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Plymouth. Her condition is unknown. Adrian Karns, 38, Kewanna, driver of a second vehicle, was taken to Woodlawn Hospital where she was treated for her injuries as a result of the crash.

An investigation into the crash revealed Winter’s Honda was traveling west on SR 110 and had crossed the median proceeding west across the southbound lane of traffic for US 31. Winters pulled into the path of Karns’ Jeep Wrangler. Karns was unable to avoid a collision with the Winters vehicle hitting the Honda in the passenger side door area where Ralph Winters was a passenger.

Assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation were the Rochester Fire Department, Lutheran EMS, Argos EMS, Fulton County 911 and the St. Joseph County Coroner.

The investigation is ongoing.