Thursday, May 16, just after 8:00 a.m., the Indiana State Police and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. 31 at Southway 31 in Rochester.
The initial crash investigation conducted by Master Trooper Jeremy J. Perez indicates that Dewayne A. Hecht, 38, from Rochester, was driving a 2009 Hyundai Accent heading westbound on Southway 31. The Hyundai attempted to cross U.S. 31 when a 2019 Volvo traveling southbound on U.S. 31 collided with it, causing both vehicles to come to rest south of the intersection.
Hecht was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Fulton County Coroner.
The driver of the semi, Remzi Ozturk, 53, of Holland, MI, was uninjured in the crash.
This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation, and there is no further information to release at this time. Notification to the family of the deceased has been made.
Trooper Perez was assisted by members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Fire, Fulton County EMS , and Reichert and Knepp Towing.
Applications available for Indiana Sheriffs' Association college scholarships
Parke County RDC closes on the purchase of the former Rockville National Bank Building
Deadline approaching for blind, disabled Hoosiers and seniors to receive property tax credits
One Night, One Cause: Indiana FFA needs your support for their ‘Blue and Gold Gala’
Gov. Braun secures National Drone Test Site Designation for Indiana
ISP with Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative this week
Rockville Town Board shuffles up leadership positions
Political candidates can begin filing this week
Historic sites bill passes out of committee
More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January
Temporary visitation restrictions enacted by Union Health due to uptick in respiratory virus cases
Reps. Heaton, Yocum: Indiana House accepting student applicants for 2026 page program
VCCF awards $2,500 grant to support Free Laundry Day Program
Thrive West Central announces new housing project
