Recently, a previously unidentified driver from a fatal November crash has been positively identified as Candace Girton, 29, rural Kewanna. The Miami County Coroner’s Office utilized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing to make the identification.

Girton was the driver of  a 2018 Chevrolet Cruz that was involved in a two vehicle fatal  crash on November 24.

Original Release Issued on November 25: 

On November 24, 2020 at approximately 3:38 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Miami County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 16 near Miami County Road 500 West, in which one person died.

The preliminary crash investigation by Senior Trooper Todd Trottier revealed that a Chevrolet passenger car was traveling westbound on State Road 16 near County Road 500 West. Ashley Lackmon, 20, Macy, IN was driving a 2019 Ford Fusion eastbound on State Road 16 near County Road 500 West. For an undetermined reason, the Chevrolet crossed into the eastbound bound lane causing a head-on collision with the Ford. After the crash impact, the Chevrolet caught on fire and had to be extinguished by Denver firefighters.

A nearby homeowner prevented the Ford from catching on fire. Prior to first responders arriving, he used a tow strap and a box truck to pull the Ford away from the burning Chevrolet. Lackmon was initially trapped in the Ford and could not be extricated until first responders arrived.

The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced deceased at the crash scene.  Lackmon was flown, via medical helicopter, to a Fort Wayne hospital. At the time of this release, she was in critical condition.

The driver of the Chevrolet has not been positively identified. Once identification is made their name will be released.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone has information about this crash they are asked to contact Senior Trooper Todd Trottier by calling 765-473-6666.