Alexandria Francine Baney Obituary, Death – The Allen County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died following a police pursuit and crash in Fort Wayne earlier this week. Officials confirmed that the victim was 31-year-old Alexandria Francine Baney, who lost her life after a stolen SUV she was driving crashed on Wednesday morning.
In a press release, the coroner stated that Baney died from multiple blunt impact injuries sustained in the crash. Her death has been officially ruled an accident.
The chain of events began when police spotted a vehicle reported as stolen. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver—later identified as Baney—refused to pull over. Instead, she sped away, leading officers on a chase. According to authorities, she was driving erratically as she fled, weaving through traffic at dangerous speeds.
The pursuit came to a devastating end near the intersection of Lake Avenue and Wyss Road. Baney lost control of the SUV, which veered off the roadway and slammed into a group of trees. The violent impact left her pinned inside the mangled vehicle.
Emergency responders, including members of the Fort Wayne Fire Department, rushed to the scene. Crews worked to free Baney from the wreckage, using specialized equipment to cut through the damaged SUV. Once she was extricated, she was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Baney succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The crash has been recorded as the 31st traffic-related death in Fort Wayne and Allen County in 2025, marking another sobering milestone in what has already been a deadly year on local roadways.
Police have not released further details on the initial theft report connected to the SUV or whether anyone else may face charges related to the case. Authorities are continuing to investigate both the stolen vehicle report and the circumstances that led Baney to flee from officers that morning.
Community members who live near Lake Avenue described hearing sirens followed by a loud crash. Several residents noted that the stretch of road where the wreck occurred is known for heavy traffic and limited visibility, making the crash all the more alarming.
Baney’s death has also sparked discussions about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement. Police emphasize that attempts to evade traffic stops can end in tragedy not only for the driver but also for passengers, officers, and innocent bystanders. In this case, no other vehicles were struck and no officers were injured, but the consequences were nonetheless fatal.
As the investigation continues, officials have asked anyone with additional information about the stolen SUV or the moments leading up to the crash to come forward.
In summary, 31-year-old Alexandria Francine Baney died Wednesday after fleeing police in a stolen SUV, crashing into trees near Lake Avenue and Wyss Road, and sustaining fatal injuries. Her death, ruled accidental, is the 31st roadway fatality this year in Allen County.