A New Palestine woman is dead following a car accident Sunday morning that had U.S. 52 closed for several hours.

According to the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, Peggy Brune, 69, New Palestine was transported to Methodist Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Deputies responded to calls of a head on collision in the 2800 block of West U.S. 52 for a two-vehicle, head-on crash involving a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox occupied by two adult males, and a 2012 Ford Escape occupied by one female driver. All parties involved were transported by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

The Ford Escape, driven by Brune was traveling eastbound on U.S. 52. The Chevrolet Equinox was traveling west bound on U.S. 52. The vehicles were approaching each other when the Chevrolet Equinox apparently crossed the centerline into the path of the Ford Escape.

Evidence at the scene indicates Ford Escape tried to move to the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision. The impact occurred in the eastbound lane of U.S. 52. The reason the Chevrolet Equinox crossed into the path of the Ford Escape has not been determined. Roads were wet and there was snow at the time. 

The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Equinox were transported to Methodist with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was identified as Michael L. Wilcox, 66, Fountaintown. The passenger was identified as the driver’s adult son, Michael A. Wilcox, 45, Fountaintown.