The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Clay County Road 1450 North at State Road 59, where a pedestrian was struck by a passenger vehicle, resulting in death.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Caleb Hughes and accident reconstructionist Trooper Rondell Shelton indicated that at about 7:40 p.m., a 2018 Honda passenger vehicle operated by Courtney Withers, 36, of Carbon, was traveling westbound on County Road 1450 North. Withers failed to observe a male walking alongside the roadway and struck him. The vehicle then traveled to the south side of County Road 1450 North, running off the roadway, and coming to a stop.
The male walking on County Road 1450 North has been identified as Samuel Chambers, 48, of Carbon. As a result of the impact, Chambers sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clay County Coroner’s Office.
Further investigation by Trooper Hughes revealed that Withers displayed signs of impairment. Withers submitted to participating in standard field sobriety tests and failed. A certified chemical test was performed, and those results are pending. The Clay County Department of Child Services was contacted because a child under the age of 18 was in Withers' vehicle. The child was later released to a family member.
Withers was taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Jail without incident. The initial charge is Causing Death While Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Level 4 Felony.
Riverton Parke looks to continue momentum
Parke County Community Foundation awards funds for Ritz renovations
USDA announces 2026 and 2027 enrollment for key price and revenue safety net programs, first base acre increase in two decades
U.S. Marshals aid local law enforcement to find suspect
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
Benefit ride for Alisha Reynolds on October 24
Former Roachdale Town Marshal sentenced to probation
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance announces 2027 summer internship program
Read your FEMA letter carefully
Road closure to impact U.S. 36 in Parke and Putnam counties
South Vermillion to honor fallen mom all season
BMV branches closed for Labor Day weekend
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 near Newport
Riddell National Bank makes new scoreboard reality for Parke Heritage
Riverton Parke to remember fallen player
