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1 killed in Wabash Co. crash

WABASH COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – One person was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Wabash County Sunday morning.

According to the Indiana State Police, the accident occurred just after 2 a.m. on U.S. 24 near Stitt Street in the city of Wabash.

Police said that the driver, 25-year-old Dakota Jackson, of a 2000 Buick was traveling west on U.S. 24, near Stitt Street when he lost control of the vehicle.  The vehicle then went across the median into the eastbound lanes of U.S. 24.  The car then proceeded to roll, sliding across the highway as it finally came to a stop on its top in a ditch, according to police.

Jackson was flown to a Fort Wayne hospital after sustaining a number of severe injuries.  A passenger in the backseat, 26-year-old Deirk Stearns, was also transported to a Fort Wayne hospital. Stearns later died from his injuries.

A second backseat passenger, 20-year-old Brianna Thomas, was taken to a Wabash hospital for back injuries.

The front seat passenger, Michael Greiner, 23, was also taken to a Wabash hospital for injuries to his hands and arms.

The fatal crash remains under investigation.  Police said alcohol, excessive and distracted driving are thought to have contributed to the accident.