The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office has identified the man struck and killed along Interstate 69 early Saturday morning as 32-year-old Dennis Copeland of Appling, Georgia. Copeland died at the scene after being hit by a vehicle in the southbound lanes near the Lloyd Expressway exit, marking a tragic event that continues to be investigated.
According to a statement released on Monday morning, an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Evansville Police Department (EPD) spokeswoman Taylor Merriss shared further details about the incident in a follow-up press release. Police were dispatched to the scene during the early hours of Saturday and found Copeland’s body lying in the roadway while four vehicles were stopped on the shoulder nearby.
Investigators discovered that one of these vehicles had stopped after striking Copeland, while two additional vehicles unintentionally ran over him without realizing he was in the roadway. Nearby, a truck registered to Copeland was found idling close to the scene. Initial findings suggest that Copeland had likely pulled over to the side of the road, possibly to relieve himself. At some point, he crossed the median, which resulted in him being struck by oncoming traffic.
The driver involved in the initial collision was transported to a hospital for a blood draw as part of the standard investigative process to determine impairment. However, authorities have not confirmed whether any charges will be filed against the driver. As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made in connection with the fatal incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
EPD officials are continuing to piece together the sequence of events leading to this tragic accident. While no conclusions have been made regarding visibility, weather, or other contributing factors, experts stress that the risks of pedestrians near high-speed roadways and stopping along highways should not be underestimated. Traffic experts frequently emphasize that drivers should stay in their vehicles as much as possible when pulling over to avoid becoming exposed to moving traffic.
Copeland’s death highlights the ongoing risks associated with stopping along busy highways. As investigations progress and the autopsy and blood test results are awaited, law enforcement continues to urge drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant while driving—especially during nighttime or low-visibility hours. Witnesses are encouraged to come forward with any information that could assist with the investigation.
The community is mourning the tragic loss of Dennis Copeland as officials examine whether public safety measures, such as improved lighting or signage near the accident site, could prevent similar tragedies in the future. His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise on high-speed roadways and the importance of roadway safety for all motorists.