WHITLEY COUNTY — An Avilla man died from injuries he suffered this morning, Thursday, Feb. 4, in a four-vehicle accident on SR 9, north of CR 500E. The accident was reported at 6:14 a.m.

James M. Ratliff, 41, Avilla, was pronounced deceased by medical staff at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Whitley County Sheriff’s Department reports Anna D. Baer, 22, Columbia City, was northbound on SR 9 in her 2005 GMC, when it started to slide on the icy roadway. Baer’s vehicle went left of center hitting Ratliff’s oncoming 2000 Pontiac Grand Am.

Baer’s vehicle was then struck by a southbound 2000 Saturn driven by Gregory W. Casey, 55, Albion. Following this impact, Casey’s vehicle was struck in the passenger rear tire by a southbound 2003 Pontiac Aztec driven by Brian S. Payton, 41, Columbia City.

Baer, who complained of left leg and foot pain, was taken to Parkview Whitley Hospital. Casey and Payton refused medical treatment.

The accident was investigated by Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Schmitt.