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.
South Putnam bus, passenger vehicle crash Wednesday
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Several traffic impacts to affect the U.S. 231 & Market Street area in Cloverdale
Tancak leaving future in hands of Cloverdale voters
Price seeks Putnam County Commissioner's seat
Indiana FSSA announces results of HCBS attendant care audits - $200 Million in improper payments
Applications being accepted for Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards
Indiana BMV extending hours for primary election
