Haley Crumb, Brent McKinney Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified two victims who died in a tragic crash in Evansville following an alleged attempt to flee a traffic stop. According to the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office, the deceased were 24-year-old Haley Crumb and 24-year-old Brent McKinney, both pronounced dead at the scene near the intersection of U.S. 41 and St. George Road.
The incident began just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday when Evansville Police officers conducted a traffic stop at a Circle K gas station on U.S. 41 near Lynch Road. According to EPD spokesman Sgt. Anthony Aussieker, the driver of the SUV initially stopped but then fled north on U.S. 41 at approximately 3:01 p.m.
Aussieker noted that officers disengaged their pursuit, turning off their lights and sirens, but one officer continued north along U.S. 41 to monitor the SUV’s actions from a distance. The reason for the initial traffic stop remains undisclosed, and police have not yet confirmed the identity of the SUV driver.
After traveling about a mile north, the SUV collided with a tractor-trailer that was turning east onto St. George Road from U.S. 41. The impact of the crash was severe, killing both Crumb and McKinney instantly. Police reported that the driver of the tractor-trailer was unharmed.
Upon discovering the crash, officers immediately attempted to provide aid to the SUV occupants but were unable to save them. The scene was soon filled with crash reconstruction experts and crime scene technicians investigating the incident.
During the investigation, a witness reportedly came forward to inform police of a firearm found near the crash site. Law enforcement officials seized the weapon as evidence pending further investigation. It remains unclear whether the gun was related to the initial traffic stop or the subsequent crash.
The tragedy has prompted questions about the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and the events leading to the fatal collision. Police have stated that the case remains under active investigation, and additional information, including details about the SUV driver and the gun discovery, will be released as the investigation progresses.
The Evansville Police Department extended condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the devastating loss and pledging a thorough investigation to determine all contributing factors. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with fleeing traffic stops and the potentially fatal consequences of high-speed pursuits. As investigators continue their work, the community mourns the loss of two young lives in a senseless and preventable tragedy.