Indiana
Indiana National Guard identifies soldier killed in I-65 crash
LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) — The Indiana National Guard has identified the specialist who died in a crash on Interstate 65 near Lebanon that also left three other soldiers injured.
Specialist Terry Frye of Lafayette joined the Guard in March 2020 as an infantryman with Company D in Frankfort. The Guard says in Frye’s five years of service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
He and three other soldiers who were members of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment were en route from Frankfort to Camp Atterbury for a drill weekend when they were in a crash on I-65 near I-865.
The Boone County Sheriff’s office reported after the accident that three vehicles were involved: A military Humvee, a white SUV, and semitruck hauling cars.
The Guard says the accident is still under investigation and has not detailed the cause of the crash. They also did not provide updates on the three injured soldiers, who were in serious condition as of Friday.
Sgt. Tyler Moriarty of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office told the media following the accident that accidents involving the military are rare and he urged drivers to drive carefully.
“Hug your loved ones,” Moriarty said. “We’ve seen a lot of bad stuff lately involving accidents and vehicles. It’s one of those things. Accidents are still accidents. They can happen to anyone, and it’s one of those things. Slow down and be cautious. And know your surroundings when you’re driving because it’s not just yourself when you’re driving, it’s other families, and potentially your family.”
Original statement from Indiana National Guard, Gov. Mike Braun
Four Indiana National Guard soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment were involved in a multivehicle collision on I-65 in Boone County, Friday, Nov.14. The collision resulted in the death of one soldier.
The loss of any of our Guardsmen is tragic, and we offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the soldier’s family, loved ones and friends.
“We take our responsibility to soldiers and their families seriously. As an organization, we become a family to each other, and the death of a fellow service member resonates throughout the force. We offer our sincerest condolences to the soldier’s family, friends and fellow soldiers. The loss is felt deeply, and we will continue to provide support to his family,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana National Guard adjutant general.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also expressed his sympathies.
“The Indiana National Guard is always there for Hoosiers and our communities, and we must always be there for them in their time of need and tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to the soldier’s family and friends,” said Braun.
The soldiers were traveling in a convoy from the Frankfort Armory to Camp Atterbury for training on a drill weekend when the accident occurred. Support for our service members and their families can be found through Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647 and the Indiana National Guard chaplain corps at 1-317-508-2573.