Friday morning, August 15, 2025, the serene stretch of North State Road 39 in Boone County, Indiana, became the scene of a devastating three-vehicle collision that shattered lives and left a community in mourning. At approximately 10:25 a.m., the Boone County Communications Center received urgent calls reporting a catastrophic accident in the 8500 block of the rural highway. Deputies from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, alongside a fleet of emergency responders, raced to the scene, where they were met with a harrowing sight: a mangled 2012 tan GMC Terrain, a concrete truck, and a 2021 RAM passenger van, their twisted frames bearing witness to the violence of the crash.
The collision claimed the lives of two beloved Frankfort residents: Jose Chavez, 64, the driver of the GMC Terrain, and Norma Perez, 59, his front-seat passenger. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene, their lives cut short in an instant. The loss of Chavez and Perez has sent ripples of grief through their tight-knit community, where they were known and cherished. A third occupant of the Terrain, 25-year-old Yaraliz Mercado, clung to life amidst the wreckage. Gravely injured, she was rushed to a local hospital, where she fights for recovery. The driver of the RAM van, 62-year-old Brice Stingley, also sustained serious injuries, his condition a stark reminder of the crash’s brutal toll. Russel Hampton, 62, of Kempton, Indiana, who was behind the wheel of the concrete truck, escaped with minor injuries but was nonetheless transported to a hospital for treatment.
As the dust settled and emergency crews worked tirelessly, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office launched a meticulous investigation to unravel the events leading to this tragedy. Sheriff Tony Harris, in a somber statement, underscored the gravity of the incident, noting that the Sheriff’s Office Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT) has been called in to assist. While the exact cause of the collision remains shrouded in uncertainty, investigators are combing through evidence, piecing together the moments before the crash. Was it a momentary lapse, a mechanical failure, or another factor entirely? The answers are still forthcoming, and authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward, hoping to shed light on the circumstances that led to such profound loss.
The crash has left State Road 39, a vital artery for local residents, intermittently closed as investigators work diligently at the scene. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, a small inconvenience compared to the immeasurable pain felt by those touched by this tragedy. The Boone County community, known for its resilience and unity, has rallied in the wake of the accident, offering prayers and support to the families of Jose Chavez and Norma Perez, as well as to Yaraliz Mercado, Brice Stingley, and Russel Hampton. Vigils are being planned, and heartfelt tributes have begun to emerge, a testament to the lives forever altered by that fateful morning.
As the investigation continues, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office promises to release further details as they become available. For now, the community holds its breath, grappling with grief while seeking answers. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment. The road ahead will be long for those affected, but in Boone County, the strength of community will light the way through the darkness.