Joshua Washburn Obituary, Death – A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Indianapolis’ southwest side last month has died from his injuries, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). Authorities confirmed that 35-year-old Joshua Washburn passed away on Saturday, September 20, more than a month after the crash that left him critically injured.
Incident details
Police said the accident happened just before midnight on Friday, August 8, along the 4900 block of West Troy Avenue, near the intersection with South Lynhurst Drive. Officers responded to reports of a person being hit by a vehicle.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Washburn lying in the middle of the roadway. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition for several weeks. Despite medical efforts, his condition never improved, and he succumbed to his injuries more than a month later.
How the crash occurred
Investigators believe Washburn was walking in the roadway at the time of the collision. According to police, an eastbound vehicle on Troy Avenue struck him, causing the life-threatening injuries that eventually proved fatal.
The driver of the vehicle, whose name has not been released, immediately stopped and stayed at the scene to cooperate with responding officers and detectives. IMPD reported that the driver was taken to a hospital for a routine blood draw, as is standard in fatal or serious crashes. Authorities later confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to be factors in the incident.
Driver cooperation
Police noted that the driver has been cooperative throughout the investigation. At this stage, no charges have been filed, and officials have not indicated whether any will be pursued. Investigators continue to piece together the circumstances leading up to the collision, including visibility conditions, road design, and whether Washburn may have been crossing at an appropriate location.
Ongoing investigation
The case is being handled by IMPD’s fatal crash investigation team, which specializes in reconstructing major collisions. Detectives will analyze evidence from the scene, review any available surveillance footage, and gather witness statements to better understand how the crash unfolded.
While the incident appears to have been an accident rather than the result of impaired or reckless driving, the extended timeline—from the crash on August 8 to Washburn’s death on September 20—means the investigation will also review medical reports to fully establish the cause of death.
Community and safety concerns
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by pedestrians in Indianapolis, particularly in areas with limited sidewalks, street lighting, or crosswalks. West Troy Avenue, where the accident occurred, is a busy roadway that connects residential neighborhoods to commercial corridors, and pedestrians often walk close to or in the roadway.
City officials and traffic safety advocates have long emphasized the importance of driver awareness and pedestrian caution on such roads. Although no criminal activity is suspected in this case, the loss of life underscores how quickly accidents can turn fatal when pedestrians and vehicles share space.
Remembering the victim
Washburn’s family and friends are now left mourning his death after weeks of hoping for his recovery. His passing serves as a painful reminder of the lasting consequences of traffic accidents, even when immediate medical attention is provided.
Moving forward
IMPD has urged residents to remain cautious on busy roads, whether walking or driving. They encourage pedestrians to use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible, and drivers to maintain vigilance, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
For now, investigators continue their work to close the case, and Washburn’s loved ones face the difficult task of moving forward after his untimely death.
