West Virginia driver killed in crash on the Toll Road

LA GRANGE COUNTY, Ind. -- A semi driver from West Virginia was pronounced dead following a crash on the Indiana Toll Road Monday evening, according to Indiana State Police.

The investigation revealed Richard Shields, 53, of Marion, West Virginia, was driving his semi eastbound on the toll road when it went off the right side of the roadway near the 126.5 mile marker, struck a guardrail, then came to a rest at a steep angle in the ditch, reports said.

Toll Road maintenance workers and a trooper responded to the scene.

The trooper located Shields inside the cab, unresponsive. He broke the window and climbed into the cab to provide medical assistance to the drier, reports said.

La Grange County fire rescue and paramedics responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate Shields, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police suspect Shields had a medical emergency while driving, which led to the crash.

An autopsy will be conducted Tuesday in Fort Wayne.

The crash remains under investigation.