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77-year-old dies after crashing truck into metal utility pole in Marion

MARION, Ind. (WISH) — A 77-year-old Marion man died Friday afternoon after a crash involving the truck he was driving plus a sport-utility vehilce and car, Indiana State Police said. 

James Penrod died in the crash that happened about 1:15 p.m. on State Road 9 at 33rd Street in Marion. That’s near the Walmart Supercenter. 

Penrod was driving a 2006 GMC Canyon south on State Road 9 near 33rd Street when for an undetermined reason the truck bumped the rear of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Brenda Wachowisz, 55, of Marion. Wachowisz then pulled the Equinox out of the way to allow Penrod to pass. Penrod continued south and eventually struck a metal utility pole at the intersection of 33rd Street. The crash impact caused traffic lights to fall and land on a 2017 Honda Accord driven by Tessa Sivis, 45, of Marion.

An ambulance took Penrod to a local hospital, where he died. Officers said they believe he may have suffered from a medical issue. An autopsy will be conducted as the investigation continues. 

Sivis and Wachowisz were not injured.

Marion police and fire crews assisted the state police.