Mom and son killed after colliding with trailer that separated from semi shortly after driver left truck stop

Police in La Porte County, Indiana, are investigating a double fatality crash involving a semi truck that occurred on Tuesday morning.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on October 4, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LPCSO) responded to the 6300 west block of US 30 in Wanatah, Indiana, for a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a big rig.

Following an investigation, LPCSO determined that the crash occurred after the trailer separated from the truck.

From LPCSO:

A white 2019 Mack semi-tractor, driven by David E. SUTTON (47 YOA) of Fulton, Indiana, was pulling a white 2015 Hyundai trailer. The CMV had just exited the Plaza 30 Truck Stop (6352 West US 30) and was beginning to travel eastbound on US 30. While doing so, the trailer separated from the semi-tractor in the eastbound driving lane, just east of the truck stop entrance / exit.

A black 2022 Kia, driven by Angela J. OEHMEN (36 YOA) of Wanatah, was traveling eastbound on US 30. The Kia collided with the rear of the trailer in the eastbound US 30 driving lane.

Both Angela Oehmen and her 14 year old son Joseph Oehmen died at the scene. Another juvenile in the car was transported to the hospital with an upper body injury.

Sutton wasn’t hurt.

LPCSO said that toxicology results are pending and the crash is still under investigation.