News Release

WHITLEY COUNTY — A South Whitley man was seriously injured in a crash on Tuesday morning, Oct. 11.

According to an Indiana State Police press release, at approximately 10 a.m., numerous police, fire, and EMS personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 9 and SR 14, south of Columbia City.

The wreck, which involved a semi-tractor-trailer and a Hyundai Sonata passenger car, critically injured the driver of the car, Kent McCullough, 44, South Whitley.

McCullough had to be extricated by fire rescue crews from the wreckage, and then flown by Parkview Samaritan helicopter from the scene for medical treatment in Fort Wayne. He was last listed in critical condition.

The ISP’s preliminary crash investigation revealed that Arthur Namegabe, 27, Louisville, Ky., was operating a 2023 Kenworth semi-tractor-trailer southbound on SR 9 approaching the intersection at SR 14.

Namegabe is alleged to have disregarded the flashing red light signal and stop signs prior to entering into the intersection, then crashing broadside into McCullough’s Hyundai that was traveling westbound through the intersection.

The crash remains under investigation. Along with the ISP, others responding to the scene included the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia City Police Department, Columbia Township Fire and Washington Township Fire.