Rochester couple injured, Michigan driver killed in two-vehicle crash

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:59 AM

By Staff report

The Indiana State Police are investigating a Wednesday crash between two passenger vehicles that occurred at the junction of US 31 and State Road 16, claiming the life of one individual.

A preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 11:00 a.m., a 2021 Lexus driven by Larry Durham, 88, of Rochester, was traveling westbound on State Road 16, attempting to cross US 31 in Miami County. Also in the Lexus was a passenger, Virginia Durham, 85, of Rochester.

Indiana State Police report that for an undetermined reason, the Lexus attempted to cross US 31 and traveled into the direct path of a southbound 2019 Honda CRV driven by Joseph Wilhelm, 79, of South Haven, MI. Both vehicles collided and came to a rest on the southwest quadrant of the intersection. Also in the Honda was a passenger, Barbara Wilhelm, 78, of South Haven.

As a result of the crash, Joseph Wilhelm succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Parkview EMS. Barbara Wilhelm was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. Durham were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

This investigation is ongoing. At this time, neither the consumption of alcoholic beverages nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to this crash.