INDIANAPOLIS -
An Indianapolis man died in a crash early Friday morning. The crash shut down I-865 westbound at I-65 northbound for several hours.
Police say Sterling Russell, 73, was a passenger in a car driven by his daughter, 39-year-old Elizabeth Russell. Their 1999 Grand Prix had a flat tire and was traveling slowly in the far right lane when a Ford F-250, driven by Carl Jones of Martinsville, 54, struck them.
The pick-up truck pushed the Grand Prix across a grassy area and into merging northbound traffic from I-865.
That's when a third vehicle, a 2006 Ford Volvo driven by John Barlow, 39, struck Russell's car in the roadway on the ramp.
Sterling Russell was pronounced dead at the scene. Elizabeth Russell was taken to St. Vincent Hospital to be checked out for injuries.
Jones was taken to another hospital to be checked out, and Barlow was uninjured.
The Boone County Serious Accident Crash Team assisted in the investigation, and police say other drivers should take note.
"We need to learn from this tragedy. If you are having trouble with your vehicle, get off the traveled portion of the roadway onto the shoulder. Driving very slowly, even with the emergency flashers on, on the roadway, is dangerous. You can always call 911 if you are stranded on the highway and law enforcement will come and assist in some manner," said Sheriff Ken Campbell.
Boone County Sheriff's Office Deputies were assisted by: Lebanon Police Department, Whitestown Police Department, Zionsville Police Department, Boone County Medics and Zionsville Fire Department.
