SCOTTSBURG — A tragic three-vehicle crash on Friday evening claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman and left two others with severe injuries, according to the Indiana State Police (ISP).
The accident occurred around 9:22 p.m. at State Road 56 and South Zion Road, just west of Scottsburg. A local firefighter was the first to arrive at the scene and reported a serious collision involving a red 2002 Ford Focus, a silver 2013 Chevrolet Impala, and a green 2014 Ford Fiesta. Each vehicle’s driver was the sole occupant.
Initial reports indicated that one driver might be deceased, and the others sustained severe injuries. ISP troopers, officers from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, and local first responders quickly arrived to assess the situation.
Due to the complexities of the crash, the ISP’s Sellersburg Post Crash Reconstruction Team was called in to assist with the investigation. Troopers Tate Rohlfing and Ben Davis responded to the scene to gather evidence and details.
Tragically, Catelynn Jewell Richards of Scottsburg, who was driving the red Ford Focus, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two injured drivers were transported to U of L Hospital in Louisville for treatment of their severe injuries.
The investigation into the crash’s circumstances is ongoing, and specific details have not yet been released. The roadway remained closed for over four hours as officers worked to gather evidence and clear the scene.
Local authorities, including the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the Scott County Coroner’s Office, and local firefighters, assisted during the response.
The family of Richards has been notified, and the community mourns the loss of a young life. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
