One in custody in connection with crash that killed three members of Rinehart family
GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — One teenager is in custody in connection with the crash that killed three members of a Newburgh, Indiana family last Sunday morning in Greene County.
According to the Indiana State Police, a 2015 Honda Civic, driven by 46-year-old David Rinehart, was traveling southbound on I-69 when it struck a deer. After hitting the animal, Rinehart pulled his vehicle onto the outside shoulder, coming to a stop.
Later, an approaching 2006 Chevy Colorado traveling southbound, driven by 19-year-old Mason Hartke, left the southbound lanes, entered the outside shoulder and struck the Civic. It’s unknown at this time what caused the truck to leave the southbound lanes.
The driver of the Civic, David Rinehart, as well as passengers 74-year-old Ruth Rinehart and 17-year-old Sophie Rinehart were killed as a result of the accident. Jose Rinehart, 18, another passenger in the vehicle was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital with cuts and abrasions.
Sophie Rinehart had just performed in a band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for her high school. The Castle Marching Knights Band released a statement following the tragedy.
“The Castle Marching Knights Band family would like to thank the many thoughts, prayers, and condolences that have come in from our friends all across the country in response to our heartbreaking loss. Many of you have expressed your desire to support the family and the band during this difficult time. Thank you.”
Hartke, the driver of the truck, was taken to IU Health Bloomington Hospital after suffering a fractured arm.
He turned himself in on November 19 after a warrant was served for his arrest.
He faces three counts of operating while intoxicated with a BAC greater than .08 causing death and three counts of reckless homicide.
The fatal accident happened near the 103 mile marker on I-69 in Greene County. It remains under investigation.