Greensburg — A Decatur County woman was killed in a single vehicle crash on Old U.S. Highway 421 Friday afternoon.

According to reports from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Sherry Ray, 48, was northbound on Old U.S. Highway 421 shortly after 4 p.m., when her 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee left the roadway on the west side, struck a private drive and a culvert, then flipped upside-down.

Investigators believe Ray was killed instantly.

The crash occurred south of St. Omar.

The driver’s 16-year-old daughter occupied the front passenger seat, but she suffered only minor abrasions in the accident. She was transported from the scene by ambulance to Decatur County Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.

Both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Investigators have initially attributed the cause of the accident to slick roads.

Sheriff’s Deputy Derek Fasnaught arrived at the scene moments after numerous emergency calls concerning the accident were received by the Sheriff’s Department. The Greensburg Fire Department, St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department, Decatur County EMS and Decatur County Coroner were also at the scene. Passersby were on the scene when emergency responders arrived. Ray’s daughter was able to exit the vehicle on her own.

The fatal crash was one of 13 different vehicle accidents responded to by the Sheriff’s Department Friday. Decatur County Sheriff Greg Allen said the majority of those accidents involved slide-offs due to hazardous road conditions throughout the county. Those accidents did not result in serious injuries.

The multitude of accidents prompted Sheriff Allen to urge motorists to exercise care in their travels during icy conditions.

“Pay attention to the weather, slow your speed and use caution,” Allen said. “Once you lose control, you’re at the mercy of gravity to stop you.”



Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056