Fatal Crash in Kankakee Township Claims the Life of La Porte Woman
On the morning of Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, tragedy struck the Kankakee Township area as a devastating crash claimed the life of Cary C. Canary, a 44-year-old resident of La Porte, Indiana. The incident occurred at 4:31 AM at the intersection of US Highway 20 and CR 300 East.
Details of the Incident
The La Porte County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision that left one of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, Deputy Shayne Landry and a bystander immediately sprang into action, attempting to rescue the driver of the passenger vehicle, who was still trapped inside. Despite their heroic efforts, they were unable to remove Cary Canary from the burning vehicle. Tragically, Canary was declared deceased at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that Canary’s 2016 Kia was traveling southbound on CR 300 East when it failed to stop at the stop sign. As the vehicle entered the path of a westbound 2016 Freightliner, the driver of the Freightliner, Roman Nichols (39 years old) of Fremont, Indiana, was unable to avoid the collision and struck the Kia.
The crash resulted in significant damage to both vehicles, with the Kia catching fire after the collision. The La Porte County emergency response teams, including deputies and fire departments, worked quickly to control the scene, but the damage was too severe for any chance of survival for the driver of the Kia.
Investigation and Next Steps
As of now, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the cause of the crash. Toxicology tests for both drivers are pending, and authorities have not yet released any further details surrounding the investigation. It remains unclear whether impairment was a factor in the collision.
In addition to the La Porte County deputies, Sgt. Gabe Struss, Deputies Marvin McCoy, Micah Dokmanovic, Pablo Pesa, and Michael Sweet assisted with the scene. Detective Sgt. James Lear and Detective Jake Koch are also involved in the investigation. La Porte County EMS and the Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department provided essential support, while the La Porte County Coroner’s Office and INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) also responded.
Community Reactions and Support
The tragic loss of Cary Canary has left the community in shock, especially in La Porte, where she was well known. Friends, family, and loved ones of Canary are mourning the loss of a vibrant individual whose life was tragically cut short. As investigations continue, the community stands in solidarity with the Canary family during this heartbreaking time.
Safety Reminder
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety. Authorities urge all drivers to remain vigilant and always adhere to stop signs and traffic laws, especially at busy intersections. In moments of uncertainty on the road, every decision counts, and the consequences of a single lapse in judgment can be catastrophic.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Cary Canary. Please stay tuned for further updates as the investigation continues. If anyone has any additional information related to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department.
Important Note: As required by law, all individuals involved in this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.