On Sunday morning at approximately 2:30 a.m., a fatal wrong‑way collision occurred on Interstate 65 south in Jackson County, just a mile outside the city of Seymour, Indiana. Indiana State Police reported that the driver, 51‑year‑old Theosco Middlebrooks of Louisville, Kentucky, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway when he struck an oncoming vehicle.
Victims
The vehicle impacted was an SUV driven by 31‑year‑old Alyssa Osborn of Scottsburg, Indiana. Both Middlebrooks and Osborn sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Osborn’s one‑year‑old son, Waylon, was secured in a child safety seat in the back of the SUV. He survived the initial impact but suffered critical injuries. He was transported to a children’s hospital for emergency care, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigation
Indiana State Police indicated that alcohol consumption by Middlebrooks likely contributed to the crash, though a definitive toxicology report is still pending. The investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances that led the driver to travel in the wrong direction on a major interstate.
Community response
The tragic loss has resonated deeply with residents of Jackson County and the surrounding area. Local officials expressed condolences to the families and emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, especially on high‑speed corridors like I‑65. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving and the critical need for vigilance on the road.
Safety reminders
Authorities encourage motorists to never drive under the influence of alcohol or any substance that could impair judgment. Proper use of child safety seats remains essential; however, even correctly restrained children can suffer severe injuries in high‑speed collisions. Drivers are urged to stay alert, obey traffic signs, and report any observed wrong‑way drivers to law enforcement immediately.
The crash adds to ongoing concerns about traffic safety on Indiana’s interstates, prompting calls for increased enforcement and public education campaigns aimed at reducing impaired‑driving incidents.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
