At around 4 a.m. on October 30, a tragic and shocking accident occurred on State Road 46 near County Road 200 East in Clay County, Indiana. The victim, a 55-year-old man identified as William Waggoner Jr. by the Coroner’s Office, lost his life when a deer vaulted through his windshield and struck him directly.
According to Coroner Lexi Glass, who released the identity of Waggoner Jr., the collision outcome was fatal almost instantly. The animal’s forceful entry into the vehicle caused catastrophic injury to the driver. The report describes the incident as a direct deer-to-human impact inside the vehicle.
Sheriff Brison Swearingen provided details: Waggoner was driving eastbound when a deer ran onto the road, collided with his vehicle, and crashed through the windshield where Waggoner sat behind the wheel. The animal’s trajectory and speed left virtually no time to react.
First-responders from multiple agencies—including the Coroner’s Office alongside the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department and Star Ambulance Service—rushed to the scene, but the force of the collision had already sealed the outcome.
While authorities are investigating the exact circumstances, no other vehicles or persons were reported as being involved. The major variables appear to be the presence of the deer, the time of day, and Waggoner’s location on the highway. The crash underscores the unexpected hazards that animals can present on rural roads, especially in early morning hours.
Community members and first-responders described the scene as deeply upsetting—what started as a routine drive ended in a moment of tragedy. Thanks to swift emergency response, there was no question about how quickly help was there—but the severity of the incident meant there was nothing to save.
Waggoner Jr.’s passing has struck a chord in the county. Known locally, his death serves as a harsh reminder of how quickly life can change. His family and community now face a void, one created in mere seconds by an unimaginable collision.
In the wake of this event, the Coroner’s Office appeals to drivers in rural areas to remain vigilant for wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk. Even when you believe you’re safely on the road, the unexpected can—and in this case did—appear without warning.