Donna Gushwa, Steven Perez Death News – The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office has released additional details regarding a devastating four-vehicle crash that claimed two lives on Friday morning. The accident occurred at the intersection of County Road 40 and County Road 17, a busy junction in the county.
According to investigators, the chain reaction began when a 24-year-old driver from Wakarusa was traveling east on County Road 40. For reasons that are still under investigation, the driver reportedly failed to stop at the posted stop sign. This error set off a tragic sequence of collisions involving three other vehicles.
Authorities stated that the first impact occurred when the Wakarusa man’s vehicle struck two cars traveling south on County Road 17. One of the vehicles was driven by 21-year-old Steven Perez of Elkhart, and the other was operated by 69-year-old Donna Gushwa of Milford. The force of the crash was severe, sending Perez’s car out of control.
Perez’s vehicle then overturned and collided with a fourth car, driven by a 59-year-old Elkhart woman who had been traveling north on County Road 17. Deputies reported that Perez had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which tragically led to him being ejected from his vehicle during the rollover.
Both Perez and Gushwa sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Emergency crews worked quickly to assist the remaining two drivers involved in the collision. The 24-year-old Wakarusa man and the 59-year-old Elkhart woman were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their exact conditions have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the violent nature of the crash, noting that the incident highlights the critical importance of obeying traffic control signs and wearing seatbelts. Investigators are still piecing together the full circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether factors such as speed, distraction, or impairment played any role.
The deadly collision has left families in mourning and the broader community shaken. Perez, at just 21 years old, had much of his life ahead of him. Gushwa, 69, was remembered as a longtime member of the Milford community. Their sudden and tragic deaths underscore the fragility of life and the dangers that can unfold in an instant on the road.
Law enforcement officials are asking any witnesses who may have observed the crash to come forward with additional information. This could help clarify exactly what led to the Wakarusa driver’s failure to stop and whether any charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, local residents are reminded to use extra caution at intersections and always wear seatbelts to minimize the risk of serious injury in crashes. The Sheriff’s Office has expressed its condolences to the families of Perez and Gushwa, promising a thorough investigation into the events that led to their untimely deaths.
This tragic incident serves as another reminder of how quickly lives can be lost in roadway accidents, leaving behind grief, unanswered questions, and an urgent call for greater attentiveness and responsibility on the road.
