SEYMOUR – Yesterday, at approximately 11:30 am, Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on I-65 Northbound, just south of Seymour in Jackson County.
A black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Austin Cooper, 22, from Austin Indiana, was traveling north in the I-65 right lane. A white 2018 GMC Terrain, driven by 31-year-old Jacob Kelly of Indianapolis, was travelling the same direction in the left lane. Video footage from another vehicle shows the two vehicles accelerating and preventing each other from passing.
Cooper’s vehicle changed lanes, driving into the path of Kelly’s vehicle. Jacob Kelly lost control of the car and spun, resulting in the collision of the two cars. Kelly’s vehicle rolled, and Ashlea Albertson, 24, of Greenfield, was thrown from the vehicle. Cooper’s car left the east side of the road and came to stop in a field.
Kelly and Albertson were both airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment, but Albertson was pronounced dead upon arrival. Kelly was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Cooper and a juvenile passenger were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where they were also treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Both drivers in the crash submitted to blood tests. Toxicology results are pending at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing by Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post and the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review for possible charges.
Ashlea Albertson’s family has been notified.
The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately three hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour Police Department, Seymour Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Howard’s Wrecker Service, and 31 Wrecker Service.
