The incident occurred at 2:13 p.m., (Saturday, Jan. 5), on SR 14, near Oak Drive East. The 15-passenger white, 2013 MCI bus was driven by James Hale, 66, of South Bend. He was not injured, nor were his two passengers.

Hale told police he was westbound on SR 14 when he observed a pedestrian walking in the roadway. He braked and attempted to avoid striking the pedestrian, a report his passengers confirmed.

A fourth witness, Wayne Zechiel of Canton, Mich., was a driver in a vehicle following the bus. He told police he observed the bus brake and swerve to the left. All witnesses reported the pedestrian stepped into the path of the bus.

Police said a nearby security camera system captured most of the incident; however the view of the actual impact was blocked by a tree. Police report the video also shows the pedestrian was carrying a cup, which was discovered at the scene.

Officials say Heishman was struck by the right front of the bus. She was transported to PMH and airlifted to the South Bend Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police also report the victim had recently been placed under an emergency detention order for a suicide attempt.

The incident was investigated by W. Bryson of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, assisted by fellow deputy M. Jackson and Mike Buchanan of the Winamac Police Department.

A complete obituary for Mrs. Heishman appears on the PulaskiPost.com obituary page.