Robert Dunham and Jesse Brummett Killed in High-Speed Crash on West Chapel Road in Franklin County, Indiana
FRANKLIN COUNTY, IN — A devastating crash on Saturday evening has left the Franklin County community heartbroken as two local men lost their lives in a high-speed collision. The incident, which occurred around 6:44 p.m. on June 28, 2025, on West Chapel Road, claimed the lives of Robert William Leo Dunham, 49, of Oldenburg, and Jesse E. Brummett Jr., 51, of Sunman.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched to the scene near the intersection of West Chapel Road and Pocket Road after receiving reports of a serious crash involving a single vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Upon arrival, first responders found a vehicle that had left the roadway, struck several objects including a tree, and come to rest in a severely damaged state.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle was traveling westbound on West Chapel Road when the driver, later identified as Dunham, lost control while negotiating a curve. The car reportedly left the pavement, struck a utility pole, and then collided with a large tree before finally coming to rest. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene due to catastrophic injuries.
Authorities confirmed that speed was a major contributing factor in the crash. There was no immediate indication of drug or alcohol involvement, but toxicology results are pending as part of the standard investigation. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with recovery and identification.
Both Dunham and Brummett were known members of the tight-knit Franklin County and Ripley County communities. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of the two men, describing them as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply connected to their families and friends.
“This is a tragic loss for two families and for the entire community,” said one local resident. “They were both good men. It’s just heartbreaking.”
The accident remains under active investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department in collaboration with crash reconstruction experts. Investigators are continuing to gather data from the scene and from the vehicle’s event recorder, which may offer additional insight into the final moments leading up to the fatal crash.
As a result of the incident, portions of West Chapel Road were closed for several hours Saturday night to allow for investigation and cleanup efforts. Law enforcement has asked that anyone with information about the moments leading up to the crash contact the sheriff’s office.
This latest tragedy adds to a troubling trend of high-speed accidents across rural roads in Indiana, where speed limits and winding terrain can quickly become a dangerous mix. Safety advocates urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially on less-traveled roads where conditions can change rapidly and emergency response times may be longer.
Funeral arrangements for both men are expected to be announced in the coming days. Local churches and support organizations are coordinating grief counseling and community support efforts for those impacted by the loss.
As the Franklin County community mourns, authorities hope this heartbreaking event will also serve as a reminder of the importance of cautious, responsible driving—especially on rural roads where conditions can be unpredictable.