2 dead after Sullivan County crash

SHELBURN, Ind. (WISH) — Two people are dead after a crash in Sullivan County Sunday morning.

Around 10:30 a.m., the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Road 48 and County Road 200 East near Shelburn.

The driver of one vehicle, Mallorie Cochran, 16, died from her injuries, police say. She was a junior at Farmersburg North Central High School.

The man who is believed to be the driver of the second vehicle, Perry Deschamp, 58, of Jasonville, also died.

Karla Deschamp, 56, who is believed to be the passenger of the second vehicle, was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital. Police said Sunday afternoon that her condition was serious but stable.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The names of the victims have not yet been released.

Update on Nov. 16, 2021

“In reference to the double fatality crash which occurred on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at County Road 200 E. and State Road 48.

“Mallorie Cochran, the driver of the first vehicle was southbound on County Road 200 E.

“The driver of the second vehicle – Perry Deschamp, was westbound on State Road 48. 

“At that intersection, County Road 200 E. is controlled by stop signs, while State Road 48 has the right of way, with no traffic control devices. 

“The preliminary investigation has revealed that the southbound vehicle (Cochran) failed to yield to the westbound vehicle (Deschamp).

“Sheriff’s investigators were assisted by a crash reconstruction team from the Indiana State Police. 

“Drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the crash. 

“Sheriff Clark Cottom called the crash a ‘terrible accident in which two people going about every day life, lost their lives.’

“A passenger in the second vehicle – Karla Deschamp, has since been released from the hospital. 

“The Cochran and Deschamp families remain in our thoughts and prayers.” 

Email from Sheriff Clark Cottom, Nov. 16, 2021