UPDATE #2 issued by ISP on Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Monroe County, Ind. - The circumstances surrounding the fatal vehicle crash that took the life of Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy James A. Driver on Monday, March 29, 2021, remain under investigation, however, the following information has been made available for release.

Indiana State Police have determined that Deputy Driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, but due to the severity and extensive damage from the crash, Deputy Driver was ejected.

Investigators are continuing to compile information and evidence from this event. At this time, there is no additional information to be released.

UPDATE #1 issued by ISP on Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Monroe County, IN - While the investigation into the fatal crash which claimed the life of Monroe County Sheriff Deputy James Driver continues, the following information is being made available.

An account has been established through Old National Bank (Account ending: #2183) and First Financial Bank (Account ending: #9231) to accept monetary donations on behalf of the family of Deputy Driver. These are the only accounts that have been agreed upon by the family, and the opening of any additional fundraising accounts is discouraged.

Those wishing to make a donation may do so by mail to Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc. 1710 South 10th St., Noblesville, IN 46060 or at any Old National Bank or First Financial Bank under the name: Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation/James Driver

STORY with info released by ISP, posted late Monday, March 29, 2021

Two-vehicle crash claims life of on-duty Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy

On March 29, 2021, at approximately 4:00 pm, emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 45 North of Eller Road in Monroe County. When first responders arrived it was discovered that one of the vehicles involved was occupied by a Monroe County Sheriffs Deputy. The Deputy was unconscious and unresponsive.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Monroe County Deputy James A. Driver, 38 of Spencer, was responding to a call and operating his 2018 Dodge Charger police vehicle with emergency lights and sirens activated.  While Deputy Driver was traveling south on SR 45, a 2006 GMC truck and trailer, driven by Christopher A. Derr, 22, of Monticello, IL was traveling north in the area. Derr attempted to stop but lost control of the truck and traveled into the southbound lanes where the trailer collided with Deputy Driver's vehicle. After the impact, Deputy Driver's vehicle rolled off the roadway before coming to a stop. The impact caused Deputy Driver to be ejected from the vehicle. Emergency personnel then transported Deputy Driver to  IU Health Bloomington Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries from the crash.

Derr and his passengers were not injured in the crash but Derr was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital for a voluntary blood draw and the results of those tests are pending. 

The investigation is ongoing. SR 45 was closed for approximately 4 ½ hours while troopers investigated the crash.

Investigating Officer: Sergeant Greg Day, Indiana State Police

Assisting Troopers: Sergeants Ryan Miller, Eric Russell and Master Troopers John Yung, Travis Coryea, and Senior Trooper Matt Holley