A two-vehicle-occupant crash on southbound I-69 near the Union Chapel Road exit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has now claimed a second life, according to the Allen County Coroner's Office. The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, when a vehicle carrying three occupants left the roadway, struck a road sign, and then collided with several trees. All three occupants were transported to an area hospital following the crash. Police confirmed that 85-year-old Penny Hallock of Bryan, Ohio, died from her injuries shortly after the crash. A second passenger, 67-year-old Jack Hallock Jr., also of Bryan, Ohio, had been listed in critical condition following the initial crash but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, September 13. The Allen County Coroner's Office ruled his death accidental. The third occupant's condition has not been publicly detailed. As of this report, the crash remains under active investigation by local authorities, and no additional information regarding the cause of the roadway departure has been released.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on southbound Interstate 69 near the Union Chapel Road exit, a stretch of interstate serving commuters and travelers moving through Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana. This section of I-69 is a heavily trafficked corridor connecting northeastern Indiana to other regional highways, and exit ramps like the one near Union Chapel Road often see merging and lane-change activity that can contribute to single-vehicle roadway departures. Interstate shoulders in this area are lined with roadside signage and tree lines, both of which were reportedly involved in this incident. Early morning hours, such as the 7:30 a.m. timeframe of this crash, can present reduced visibility or driver fatigue as contributing environmental factors on interstate corridors, though no official cause has yet been confirmed by investigators.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, individuals or families affected by a fatal motor vehicle accident may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if evidence indicates negligence contributed to the crash. Indiana's statute of limitations generally requires such claims to be filed within two years of the date of death. Insurance considerations in single-vehicle crashes often involve reviewing the at-fault driver's policy limits, underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, and any potential third-party liability, such as roadway design or maintenance issues. Compensation in wrongful death cases may include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred prior to death, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Because facts surrounding roadway departure crashes can be complex, families are encouraged to consult official investigative reports and qualified legal counsel to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• Allen County Coroner's Office – official records and death investigations
• Indiana State Police – Fort Wayne District – crash investigation updates
• Fort Wayne Fire Department – emergency response services
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) – I-69 traffic and construction updates
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – state traffic laws and driver regulations
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – roadway safety data and resources
• Grief support and crisis resources: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) — for those struggling with sudden loss
• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – victim support services for traffic-related fatalities