SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana State Police (ISP) in Putnamville is investigating a crash between a passenger vehicle and a semi that occurred on US 41 near the junction of Old Highway 54, which claimed the life of one individual, according to a media release.
ISP said its preliminary investigation indicated that at approximately 11:00 a.m., a 1998 Ford Ranger driven by Bradley D. Galenski, 59, of Sullivan, Indiana, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US 41 near Old Highway 54. The Sullivan County
Sheriff’s Department reportedly received multiple 911 calls referencing the Ford Ranger traveling the wrong direction on US 41. A 2026 Freightliner driven by Clarence Mackey, age 71, of Alapaha, Georgia, was traveling northbound on US 41 in the driving lane. Mackey said he observed the Ford Ranger traveling in the wrong direction and attempted an evasive driving maneuver, but was unable to avoid a collision. The force of the collision caused the Ford Ranger to travel off the roadway, rolling to its side, and coming to a stop, according to the report. Galenski was ejected from the Ford Ranger. The Freightliner then traveled across the median of US 41, coming to a stop in the southbound lanes.
As a result of the crash, Galenski sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Deputy Coroner Mary Ann Dudley of the Sullivan County Coroner’s Office. His family has been notified.
Drugs and alcohol testing are pending at this time.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
