FATAL CRASH UPDATE – Victim Identified
The St. Joseph County Police Department has released an update regarding the tragic single-vehicle crash that occurred early Saturday morning.
The victim has now been identified as 40-year-old Joseph Rush of Starke County. Authorities note that it was important to wait until family members were personally notified before releasing his identity to the public. “While this process may take longer than some expect, our first responsibility is always to the victim’s loved ones,” officials said. “It’s important to us that they hear such devastating news directly from us, not through social media or the news.”
Previous Update
At approximately 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, St. Joseph County Police officers were dispatched to a reported single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Kern and Fir Roads.
According to initial reports, the male driver had exited the vehicle and was refusing medical assistance. However, a short time later, dispatchers advised that the vehicle had caught fire with the driver still inside.
The situation was made even more dangerous by downed live power lines, which had fallen onto the vehicle. This prevented officers, firefighters, and medics from safely approaching until utility crews from AEP arrived on scene and secured the lines.
Tragically, once emergency responders were able to reach the vehicle, the driver was found deceased. He was the sole occupant of the car.
Community Message
Law enforcement officials acknowledge the community’s patience and understanding during this difficult time. They stress that protecting the dignity of victims and ensuring proper family notification remain top priorities during any investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joseph Rush as they cope with this sudden and heartbreaking loss,” the department said in its statement.
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.