LaPorte County deputies investigate fatal crash on State Road 8

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. – LaPorte County deputies are currently investigating a deadly crash, taking place at the intersection of State Road 8 and County Road 875 West. The crash killed one driver at the scene.

Joseph F. Barker, a 79-year-old resident of Valparaiso, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to deputies.

Deputies were dispatched to the crash on Thursday just before 8:40 am.

According to deputies, a white 2021 GMC Penske box truck was heading westbound on SR 9. When the driver of the box truck approached the intersection of CR 875 W, he allegedly saw Barker’s pickup truck but could not avoid the crash, according to the report.

Following the crash, the box truck left the south side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and stopped on top of a culvert.

A witness, who was traveling behind the box truck, said she allegedly saw Barker fail to stop at the intersection, deputies said.

The driver of the box truck was airlifted to a hospital for his injuries.

Toxicology test results are pending. This crash is under investigation.