A Plymouth man, Johan Partee, 55, also died in the accident.

The cause of the crash is yet undetermined. The weather was becoming icy at the time, but it is not yet known if that was a factor.

Partee was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jon Frain. Cause and manner of both deaths are pending further investigation. The next of kin has been notified.  Assisting Frain was chief deputy John Behny from the coroner’s office.

Harwood was transported in stable condition to Franciscan Health in Rensselaer. No other passengers were in the vehicles.

Partee, who had recently moved to Plymouth from Chicago, was southbound on the highway Saturday evening (Jan. 1), driving a 2014 Honda SUV, according to the police report. Harwood was northbound in a 2008 Chevrolet SUV when for unknown reasons the two vehicles collided, causing Partee’s car to leave the roadway. No intersection was near the accident scene which was about three miles south of Francesville in rural Salem Township.

Routine toxicology tests for both drivers are being conducted by the coroner’s office. A preliminary note in the police report indicates both vehicles were traveling at a speed too fast for the deteriorating weather and roadway conditions which included sleet and ice forming on the road.

The crash remains under investigation by Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Cody Foust. Assisting Foust at the scene was Deputy Matt Pickens and Detective Chris Schramm. 

Responding agencies include Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski County EMS, Francesville Volunteer Fire Department, Monon Police Department, D1 Towing, and Indiana DNR.

An obituary for Darlene Harwood appears in the obituary section of this website.