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Icy roads cause fatal crash in Hartsville

HARTSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – Officers responded to a fatal one-vehicle crash in the 16000 East block of 500 North early Saturday morning.

Driver James Lobdell, 50, was driving east on 500 North when his truck struck a tree at about 7:54 a.m., according to Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers.

According to 24-Hour News 8’s news partner at The Republic, Lobdell was ejected from the car. He was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital, but died from trauma to the neck and chest.

Investigators say the man was not wearing a seatbelt.

Myers says it is believed Lobdell was driving at a high rate of speed and icy road conditions caused the car to leave the road. There were no signs that Lobdell tried to brake or stop in the icy conditions.