The South Bend community is reeling after the death of 58-year-old James L. Barnes, who sustained fatal injuries in a two-vehicle collision late Wednesday at around 10:15 p.m. on Mayflower Road near Belleville Drive just north of the bypass in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
According to authorities, an SUV driven by a 48-year-old woman had just exited the bypass and was traveling north on Mayflower Road when a pickup truck, heading south and driven by a 63-year-old man, crossed the center line and struck the SUV head-on. The crash left both vehicles badly damaged and forced an emergency response by area rescue crews.
Barnes was a passenger in the SUV and was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the immediate efforts of responders and hospital staff, he succumbed to his injuries. The two drivers survived and are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the crash is being handled by the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT), which is reviewing the vehicle data, roadway conditions, and witness statements. Officials say they are exploring all possibilities including mechanical failure, driver impairment or other contributing factors, as well as examining any available surveillance footage.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends, neighbors and local residents have expressed deep sorrow over Barnes’ sudden passing. Many recall him as a devoted family man and warm neighbor who was always ready with a smile or helping hand. “This loss shakes our community deeply,” one neighbor told reporters. While official public comments are modest, social-media posts and shared memories are flooding in.
The stretch of Mayflower Road where the crash occurred was closed for several hours while investigation and cleanup crews worked the scene. Officials reopened the roadway early Thursday morning, and reminded drivers of the dangers that can occur on two-lane roads when split-second errors or misjudgments happen.
As South Bend and St. Joseph County mourn, the community extends heartfelt condolences to Barnes’ family and invites residents to support one another during this difficult time. His passing serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life can be—and how an ordinary evening ride can end in tragedy.
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