Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
Brownsburg - An Indianapolis Fire Department firefighter was killed in a three-car crash in Hendricks County Thursday. It happened around 8:00 am at State Road 267 and County Road 800 North.
Duane E. Clark, 35, died in the crash. He worked at IFD Station #6 on 86th Street. The firefighter community is mourning his loss.
Clark, a ten-year IFD veteran, had left his 24-hour shift at the Nora fire station on 86th Street and was almost home when the crash occurred.
"His vehicle was stopped, attempting to make a left turn into his driveway when a van, a mini van, struck the rear of his vehicle, which pushed him into the southbound lanes and he was struck by a full size pickup truck hauling a trailer," said Lt. Jim Yetter, Hendricks County Sheriff's Department.
Clark's car was struck by a gray truck hauling a trailer with a backhoe. Police say the truck was traveling at the posted 55-mph speed limit. The truck's impact sent the Cavalier into the ditch, pushing it about 300 feet and coming to rest on top of the car.
The crash pushed Clark's Chevy Cavalier 300 feet into a ditch with the pickup truck landing on top of the car. Clark died instantly.
His wife and parents, who live next door, knew what happened.
"He was on his way home from work and they were doing the typical working parent shift change. He was coming home; she was gonna take off and he was gonna take care of the kids," said IFD Capt. Rita Burris.
Members of the Brownsburg Fire Department hastily assembled an honor guard, removing the body from the crash site.
Fellow firefighters at Clark's north side station went through a debriefing on Thursday. The department is making grief counselors available after his sudden and tragic death.
The 34-year-old female driver of the van that initially struck Clark's car told police she had just dropped her children off at a day care and was going home.
Investigators are still looking into the circumstances that led to the crash.
"This is tragic for all of us who have lost a brother," said Burris.
Duane Clark leaves a wife, twins and hundreds of firefighters in grief and disbelief.
The flag was lowered to half-staff at the Nora fire station Thursday in honor of Clark.
Clark, who was hired by IFD in April 2001, leaves behind a wife and three-and-a-half-year-old twins. He and his wife were about to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary this Saturday. Clark was a lifelong resident of Brownsburg and a member of St. Malachy Parish. He graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School in 1993 and IU Bloomington in 1997 with a degree in Biology.
IFD issued the following statement: "IFD wishes to acknowledge and thank Brownsburg Fire for their concern and professionalism during this stressful event."
Memorial Fund
Mayor Greg Ballard issued this statement:
"The firefighter community and all of Indianapolis mourn the loss of Indianapolis Fire Department Firefighter Pvt. Duane Clark, whose life ended in a tragic vehicle accident this morning. His commitment to serving the City of Indianapolis and protecting its citizens is deserving of our respect. Together we remember and honor his service and keep his surviving loved ones in our hearts and prayers. Donations for his family may be made to the Clark Memorial Fund at the Firefighters Credit Union."
Clark Memorial Fund Firefighters Credit Union
501 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-5581
