The Allen County Coroner’s Office has identified the two victims killed in a severe crash on Interstate 69 that occurred on Saturday evening. The accident, which took place near the 320-mile marker just before 8 p.m., also left three others seriously injured.
According to law enforcement, an SUV traveling southbound veered off the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation. The vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest in a ditch, resulting in a catastrophic scene. Emergency responders reported that two individuals were ejected from the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner’s office identified the victims as 25-year-old Jaiden Samaria Marquis Newbolt and 6-year-old Nalani Ella Ervins, both residents of Fort Wayne. Officials confirmed their deaths were caused by injuries sustained during the rollover. The loss of Newbolt and young Ervins has deeply affected the local community, as friends and family mourn the tragedy.
Three other passengers in the SUV survived the crash but sustained serious to critical injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain under medical care. Authorities have not yet released their identities or updated their conditions.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unclear. They are looking into several factors, including whether the driver was distracted, impaired, or experiencing a medical emergency. Additionally, authorities are investigating whether mechanical failure or weather conditions may have contributed to the accident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seatbelt use, though it has not been confirmed whether the occupants were restrained. Law enforcement is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to come forward to aid in the investigation. As the community grapples with the tragedy, the ongoing probe seeks to provide answers and promote road safety awareness.