Michael Troup, Leesburg, died from injuries sustained after his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck an oncoming semitractor/trailer. Photo by Deb Patterson.

News Release

MILFORD — Details of the crash that caused the death of Michael Troup, 57, West Van Buren Street, Leesburg, Wednesday, June 4, on SR 15, south of CR 1350N has been released by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the accident report, Troup was northbound on SR 15 when his 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer went left of center, hitting a southbound 2019 International tractor/trailer driven by Joel Machorro De Leon, 58, Crescent St., Elkhart. Troup’s vehicle struck the right front corner of the tractor/trailer.

A passenger in Troup’s vehicle, Penny Coppes, 65, North Henry Street, Milford, was extricated from the vehicle, and complained of shoulder/upper arm pain. She was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital.

Coppes told police her and Troup were traveling north and that she was on her phone. She believes Troup looked at her and that is when the vehicle went left of center hitting the truck. De Leon stated as he was traveling southbound, he noticed a vehicle come into his lane of travel and struck his vehicle.

The investigation has been turned over to the Kosciusko County FACT Team. Per state statute De Leon was taken to Lutheran Kosciusko for a blood draw. Blood results are pending.

Damage was estimated up to $25,000.