Head-On Collision on Old US 24 Near Woodburn, Indiana Leaves Carlos Valadez Dead, One Critically Injured

A deadly head-on crash in eastern Allen County claimed one life and left another person in critical condition early Friday morning in the 15000 block of Old US 24, just outside Woodburn, Indiana. The Allen County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:30 a.m. after a car traveling eastbound on Old US 24 crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound pickup truck. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck sustained serious injuries and was transported by emergency personnel to a local hospital, where they were listed in critical condition. The Allen County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. No additional information regarding the identities of the involved parties had been released at the time of initial reporting. Authorities have not yet publicly indicated whether speed, impairment, weather, or mechanical failure played a role in the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

Old US 24 is a rural two-lane highway corridor running through eastern Allen County, Indiana, roughly parallel to the newer US Route 24 expressway. The 15000 block lies just west of Woodburn, a small community in eastern Allen County near the Ohio state line. This stretch of roadway serves a mix of local residential and industrial traffic, including access routes to facilities such as the BFGoodrich/Michelin plant located off Old US 24. The roadway has historically been the site of serious traffic incidents, including prior fatal centerline-crossing crashes. As a rural two-lane road without physical median barriers, Old US 24 presents elevated risk for head-on collisions, particularly in low-light or early-morning conditions. The area near Woodburn sits approximately 15 miles east of Fort Wayne and is served by Allen County road infrastructure.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Individuals injured in traffic collisions in Indiana — or families of those who are fatally injured — may have legal rights under Indiana tort law. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule (IC 34-51-2), which means an injured party may seek compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in fatal crashes, wrongful death damages under Indiana's wrongful death statute (IC 34-23-1). Indiana's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury, while wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years as well. All drivers in Indiana are required to carry minimum liability insurance under IC 9-25-4-5. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also be relevant depending on the circumstances. Those affected are encouraged to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• Allen County Sheriff's Department — Primary responding agency; non-emergency line: (260) 449-7638 | www.allencountysheriff.org
• Allen County Emergency Management — www.allencountyema.org
• Indiana State Police – Fort Wayne Post — (260) 432-8661 | www.in.gov/isp
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) – Fort Wayne District — Road conditions and safety information: www.in.gov/indot | Traveler information line: 1-800-261-7623
• Indiana 2-1-1 — Connects residents with local support services including crisis assistance and victim support: dial 2-1-1 or www.211.org
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety — www.in.gov/cji/traffic-safety
• Indiana Code – Motor Vehicle Laws — www.iga.in.gov (search Title 9: Motor Vehicles)
• Indiana Victim Assistance — Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking offers broader victim advocacy resources; general victim services directory available through Indiana's Criminal Justice Institute