Decatur, IN — July 8, 2025 — Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals who tragically lost their lives in a fatal collision early Tuesday morning on U.S. Highway 27 in Adams County. The victims have been identified as 41-year-old Thera J. Raugh and her 16-year-old son, Dallas M. Raugh, both residents of Shelby County, Indiana.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at approximately 8:34 a.m. after receiving reports of a major accident near the intersection of U.S. 27 and State Road 124. According to investigators, Dallas Raugh was driving a 2024 black Hyundai Sonata southbound on U.S. 27 when the vehicle failed to obey a traffic signal and entered the intersection. At the same time, a 2003 white Freightliner semi-tractor trailer, driven by 42-year-old Jeremy M. Klenke, was traveling eastbound on SR 124 and proceeding through a green light.
The Hyundai collided with the semi’s trailer in a T-bone-style crash, and the passenger vehicle became lodged beneath the trailer. Both Thera and Dallas Raugh were pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. Klenke was not injured in the crash and was transported from the scene for a routine blood draw, as required by Indiana state law. At this time, impairment is not suspected as a contributing factor in the crash.
Investigators are reviewing several potential causes, including failure to obey a lighted traffic signal, driving too fast for the weather conditions, and low visibility due to heavy morning fog.
Multiple agencies responded to the crash scene, including the Adams County Coroner’s Office, Adams County EMS, Monroe Fire Department, Piqua Repair, Decatur Police Department, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division.
The deaths of Thera and Dallas Raugh have left the community heartbroken. Thera is remembered as a loving and supportive mother, while Dallas, just 16, had a future full of potential. Their sudden and tragic loss has deeply affected friends, extended family, classmates, and neighbors alike.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution in poor weather conditions, reduce speeds, and adhere to all traffic signals to help prevent further tragedies.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
In Memory of Thera J. Raugh & Dallas M. Raugh
Forever loved. Forever missed.