News Release

MARSHALL COUNTY — Melia Byrer, 33, Bremen, died as a result of injuries sustained in a four-vehicle collision at US 6 and King Road, Monday, Feb. 15. The crash was reported at 5:14 p.m. The three other drivers were treated at the scene, but not transported for medical treatment.

A preliminary investigation of the collision, by the Marshall County Police Department, found Delbert Polenske, 57, Bancroft, Neb., was eastbound on US 6 in a 2016 Freightliner semitractor and trailer when it struck the back of Byrer’s 2007 Ford Focus. Byrer’s vehicle was eastbound and had slowed or stopped at the intersection to turn north on King Road.

After the collision, Byrer’s vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a 2017 Ford Focus, driven by Jeffery Whiteman, 50, Plymouth and a 1997 Subaru Legacy, driven by Logan Powers, 24, Plymouth.

Byrer was initially transported to Memorial Hospital, South Bend, for treatment, but later died.

The Marshall County Police Department was assisted by the Indiana State Police, LaPaz Fire, LaPaz EMS, Bremen Fire, Bremen EMS and Indiana Department of Transportation. The Indiana State Police and the St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office are also assisting in the ongoing investigation.

A final report of the collision will be sent to the Marshall County Prosecutor upon completion for review.