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MIAMI COUNTY - A Michigan man was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Ind. 16.
According to an Indiana State Police news release, a preliminary investigation by ISP Master Trooper Jeremy Perez indicates that at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, a 2021 Lexus, driven by Larry Durham, 88, Rochester, was traveling west on Ind. 16, attempting to cross U.S. 31 in Miami County. Also in the Lexus was a passenger, Virginia Durham, 85, of Rochester.
For an undetermined reason, the Lexus attempted to cross U.S. 31 and traveled into the direct path of a southbound 2019 Honda CRV, driven by Joseph Wilhelm, 79, of South Haven, Mich. Both vehicles collided and came to a rest on the southwest quadrant of the intersection. Also in the Honda was a passenger, Barbara Wilhelm, 78, of South Haven.
As a result of the crash, Joseph Wilhelm succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Parkview EMS. Barbara Wilhelm was taken by medical helicopter to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Durhams were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
This investigation is ongoing.
At this time, neither the consumption of alcoholic beverages nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to this crash, the release states. Notification to the family of the deceased has been made.
Perez was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Peru District, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, Parkview EMS, Parkview Helicopter, Denver Fire Department, Miami County EMA and Miami County Coroner’s Office.
