HUNTINGTON COUNTY, IN- A single vehicle fatal crash occurred this morning, January 7, 2026, in Huntington County. Huntington Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 00:48 hours reporting a vehicle had flipped from the southbound lanes of the interstate to the northbound lanes, ultimately coming to rest on the east side of roadway in the ditch. EMS, first responders and law enforcement were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival they observed a 2017 Ford Escape laying on its roof with the driver of the vehicle partially pinned under it. Despite rescue efforts, the driver, who was the lone occupant, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Richard W. Elston, age 77, of Bluffton, Indiana was the unrestrained operator of the vehicle. Evidence would indicate that Mr. Elston was eastbound on County Road 200 North and failed to realize the road had ended. He proceeded through the grass, crashing through the INDOT fence, continuing airborne over the ditch and impacting the west edge of the southbound lane. The vehicle continued across the southbound lanes becoming airborne again, contacting the top barrier cable, which caused the vehicle to begin to roll front to rear several times before coming to rest in the northbound ditch. It is believed that Mr. Elston may have thought he was on County Road 300 North, which has an overpass, and is a road he has travelled on in the past. Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in the crash; however, speed may be contributing.
An autopsy conducted at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Fort Wayne determined the decedent died because of multiple blunt force traumatic injuries. His death has been ruled accidental. The Huntington County Coroner’s Office extend their deepest sympathies to the Elston family and friends.
The coroner’s office was assisted by the Markle Police Department, Huntington County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Markle Fire Department, Parkview Huntington Hospital EMS, Huntington Central Dispatch, and A-Plus Towing and Recovery.