At about 12:30 a.m. on May 19, 2017 a car crash was reported to Metro 911. The crash occurred on Youngstown Road, near Reamer Road in the Clendenin community. The vehicle, a small pickup truck, was traveling north. It ran off the road to the right, struck an embankment, then struck a tree on the left side of the road.
The driver, Jacob David Belcher (37 of Indiana) was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, Heather Leigh Putz (31 of Indiana), was taken to an area hospital where she is listed in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations reveal alcohol and speed may have been contributing factors in the crash. However, additional investigative steps are being taken. The Office of the Medical Examiner is assisting.