Two vehicle crash at US 24 and 700E in Cass County kills one
Last Updated on July 6, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
The following press release was received at 3:24 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2024.
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 12:08 a.m., Cass County Central Dispatch received calls for a two vehicle crash on US 24, west of CR 700 East. Deputy Bryce Hamilton, along with several other public safety agencies and deputies, responded to the crash. The responding agencies included the New Waverly Fire Department, Walton Fire Department, Logansport Police Department, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Walton Police Department, Cass County Coroner’s Office, Cass County Emergency Management Agency, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, and Cass County Emergency Medical Services.
Initial scene assessment found an eastbound Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) on US 24 (a divided highway) was struck head-on by a westbound passenger car that was also in the eastbound lanes. The westbound vehicle was travelling in the wrong traffic lane.
Lillian Shepherd, age 24, of Peru, IN, was driving a 2002 Jeep Liberty eastbound on US 24 near County Road 700 East when she was struck head-on by a 2003 Toyota Echo travelling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Both vehicles burst into flames that had to be extinguished by the responding fire departments. Lillian Shepherd was able to escape the Jeep. The driver of the Toyota was unable to exit the vehicle and died from injuries sustained in the crash and subsequent fire.
A medical helicopter was summoned to the scene for Lillian Shepherd due to the severe injuries she sustained in the crash. She was flown to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN.
The male driver of the Toyota has not been positively identified. Thus, no family notification has been made.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours for the investigation and removal of debris.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstructionist is still investigating the crash and attempting to identify the driver with the assistance of the Cass County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 574-753-7800.
SOURCE: News release from Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder
