GRANT COUNTY, Indiana – A tragic traffic accident claimed the life of a Canadian truck driver early Thursday morning on Interstate 69. Indiana State Police reported that the semi‑truck, a 2021 Freightliner with an attached trailer, left the roadway near the 269‑mile marker on southbound I‑69 shortly after 6 a.m. and rolled over.
Driver identified and cause under investigation
The driver was identified as 60‑year‑old Lee R. Lauzon of Ontario, Ontario. According to Master Trooper Weston Shanks, the vehicle was traveling southbound when it veered off the pavement for an undetermined reason and overturned. Lauzon was pronounced dead at the scene by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
No drugs or alcohol involved, authorities say
State police officials stated that neither alcohol nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver health as possible factors.
Coordinated response from local agencies
Law enforcement and emergency responders from multiple agencies worked together at the scene. Indiana State Police were assisted by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, and the Grant County Coroner’s Office. All agencies confirmed that the driver’s family has been notified.
Impact on I‑69 traffic
The crash caused a temporary closure of the southbound lanes while crews cleared the overturned vehicle and conducted their investigation. Motorists were directed to use alternate routes until the roadway was reopened later in the morning. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Safety reminder for commercial drivers
While the exact cause of this accident remains unknown, officials remind commercial drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles, stay alert to changing road conditions, and adhere to safe driving practices, especially on high‑speed interstate corridors.
The investigation will continue as investigators examine the truck’s mechanical systems, driver health records, and any available dash‑cam or surveillance footage. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
