News Release

ELKHART — Sergio Salazar, 28, Goshen, died from head and neck trauma in a two-vehicle crash at 7:38 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. The crash was at US 33 and CR 33, near Benton, north of Syracuse.

Gabina DeEsparaza, 50, Ligonier, driver of the second vehicle, suffered chest pain.

Elkhart County Sheriff’s officers report Salazar was traveling north on US 33, south of CR 33, in a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. DeEsparaza was south on US 33 in a 2007 GMC Yukon. Police report traffic was congested at that time.

Salazar passed a vehicle on the right shoulder and as his vehicle returned to the roadway, Salazar lost control and began to slide sideways onto US 33 into oncoming traffic. Salazar’s vehicle slid directly in front of the DeEsparaza vehicle. DeEsparaza’s vehicle hit Salazar’s vehicle on the middle of the passenger side, compressing the vehicle into the driver’s side.

The Elkhart County Crash Investigating Team is investigating.