Edward Dunne Obituary, Death – Authorities in St. Joseph County have released the identity of the man who lost his life in a two-vehicle collision that took place on Wednesday afternoon. The victim has been identified as 72-year-old Edward Dunne of South Bend, according to local law enforcement officials.
The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. along Cleveland Road, just west of Swanson Drive, an area known for moderate traffic flow during the afternoon hours. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a serious collision involving two vehicles.
Based on a preliminary investigation by the St. Joseph County Police Department, Dunne was driving eastbound on Cleveland Road in a passenger vehicle when, for reasons still under investigation, his car crossed the center line. His vehicle then collided with a westbound pickup truck traveling in the opposite lane.
When first responders arrived, they found significant damage to both vehicles. Medical personnel immediately assessed both drivers. Unfortunately, Dunne was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of the crash. The other driver, identified only as a 51-year-old man from Mishawaka, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding the extent of his injuries, but he is expected to recover.
Police officers closed off the section of Cleveland Road for several hours on Wednesday afternoon to allow investigators and cleanup crews to safely process the scene. Traffic was diverted to nearby routes while members of the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT) conducted their investigation.
The FACT unit, which specializes in reconstructing and analyzing serious traffic collisions, is leading the ongoing investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident. They will be examining various factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, mechanical issues, and whether any health or environmental factors may have played a role. Investigators are also reviewing possible witness statements and any available surveillance or dash camera footage from nearby vehicles.
Local authorities have expressed condolences to the family and friends of Edward Dunne, recognizing the sudden and tragic nature of the event. They also thanked the first responders, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, for their swift efforts in managing the scene and ensuring that traffic and public safety were restored as quickly as possible.
Residents who live in the area described the stretch of Cleveland Road as one that can be challenging to navigate at times due to its curves and frequent changes in visibility. Several neighbors told reporters that they often see vehicles traveling above the speed limit, and they hope this incident serves as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution on local roads.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated that the investigation remains active and that additional findings will be shared once the FACT team completes its reconstruction report. The department emphasized that it’s too early to determine whether any medical issue, distraction, or other contributing factor may have caused Dunne’s vehicle to drift into the opposite lane.
Authorities also used the opportunity to remind motorists about the importance of defensive driving — staying alert, avoiding distractions, and maintaining awareness of changing road conditions — especially on two-lane roads where there is little room for error.
Community members have expressed sympathy for both families affected by the crash. Many said the tragedy underscores the need for patience and attentiveness on the road, particularly for older drivers who may face health or reaction-time challenges while driving.
As of Thursday morning, Cleveland Road had been fully reopened, and police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the St. Joseph County Police Department’s FACT division. The investigation is expected to continue over the next several weeks as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the tragic event that claimed Edward Dunne’s life.
