Clay County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call June 5 to find two motorcycle passengers seriously injured after being ejected onto the road near US Highway 40 and County Road 225 West, police said. The motorcycle driver, James Smith of Terre Haute, was headed east in the passing lane of US Highway 40 with his passenger, Jane Smith of Terre Haute, when the collision occurred, according to Chief Deputy Josh Clarke.
Clarke said the two were traveling behind a car driven by Betty Beal of Farmersburg, Ind., who was in the driving lane. Beal allegedly tried to turn left to head northbound on County Road 225 West when she cut across the eastbound lane where James and Jane Smith were driving, a police report says.
James was unable to slow down or swerve around Beal’s car when it entered his lane. Police say his motorcycle then hit the rear driver’s side of Beal’s car which caused him and Jane to launch from the motorcycle onto the street.
After deputies arrived, James was taken to Regional Hospital in serious condition and police say his current state is unknown. Jane, according to the police report, was taken to St. Vincent Clay Hospital where she died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says its investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
