A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 69 (I-69) has left two people dead and sparked an ongoing investigation in Allen County, authorities confirmed in 2026.
The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Drew Stephen Saddington of Fort Wayne and 70-year-old Bradley Dale Maller of Kokomo. Both died following a severe chain-reaction crash involving three semi-trucks and three passenger vehicles near the 295-mile marker on southbound I-69.
Preliminary findings suggest traffic had slowed significantly when a southbound semi-truck struck a passenger vehicle from behind, triggering a cascading impact involving multiple vehicles. Officials say the force of the initial collision led to a rapid multi-vehicle pileup. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both victims sustained fatal blunt-force injuries. Their deaths have been ruled accidental.
The crash has deeply affected communities in Fort Wayne, Kokomo, and surrounding areas. Drew is being remembered as a bright teenager with a promising future, while Bradley is being honored as a respected community member known for his life experience and character.
The Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate contributing factors, including traffic conditions and driver response time.
Authorities say further updates will be released as the investigation develops, while communities continue to mourn the loss of two lives taken in a devastating roadway tragedy.