Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana

April 3, 2009

Accident claims life


Ripley County Sheriff’s Officers were dispatched to the scene of a single vehicle accident April 2 on County Road 500 N. just west of Finks Road, according to Deputy Steven Sullivan.

About 5:29 p.m., Victoria Richards, 18, Napoleon, was heading west on C.R. 500 N. in a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road. It “appeared she overcorrected and crossed back across the roadway and struck a tree on the driver’s door area,” he said.

Richards was pinned inside the vehicle until Osgood Fire and Extrication could cut her out. She was in critical condition when Life Line flew her to Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Two juvenile passengers received minor injuries and were transported by Rescue 69 and EMS 10 to Margaret Mary Community Hospital.

“All three individuals in the vehicle were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash,” Sullivan reported.

The crash is still under investigation.

Indiana State Police and Ripley County Medic also assisted at the scene.