An early morning crash Thursday between Jasper and Ferdinand claimed the life of a Spencer County woman and left her husband in critical condition.
At 4:30 A.M. this morning, 18-year-old Katherine Wire was driving southbound on State Road 162 less than a mile south of State Road 64. Investigators believe that Wire had noticed a vehicle suddenly slowing to a stop in front of her, and applied the brakes of her 2003 Ford Explorer. While braking, the Ford pulled to the left and crossed the center line, striking a northbound 1997 Chevrolet Malibu head on. The impact crushed the driver’s side of the Chevrolet prior to the Chevrolet leaving the east side of the roadway. Wire’s Explorer spun and came to rest in the northbound lane nearly 200 feet south of the point of the crash.
The driver of the Chevrolet, 40-year-old Raven Waninger, did not have time to react to the oncoming Ford prior to being struck. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dubois County Coroner’s Office. Her passenger and husband, David Waninger, was transported to Memorial Hospital in Jasper where he was listed in critical condition. Wire was also transported to Memorial Hospital for injuries but was later released. All three occupants were wearing seatbelts.
Investigators believe there was a possible witness to the crash that did not speak to officers at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Sgt. Philip Hensley at the State Police Post in Jasper by calling 812-634-5520.
The crash remains under investigation by the State Police. ISP was assisted at the scene by the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Ferdinand Police Department, Ferdinand and St. Anthony Fire Departments, Memorial Hospital EMS and the Dubois County Coroner’s Office.
