Report: Funeral director who crashed van did not have license to handle remains
TERRE HAUTE — The Clinton-area funeral director who wrecked a van on Interstate 70 Tuesday may not have been authorized to handle remains, according to a media report.
Citing the Vigo County Health Department, WTHITV 10 in Terre Haute reported Wednesday that Matthew Fitzthum ‘s license to handle remains expired in December.
The Vigo County Health Department confirmed to the TV station that Fitzthum has handled 32 individuals without a valid license.
On May 9 the health department called the state licensing board about Fitzthum’s expired license.
The revelation further complicates a case that already involves the body of a deceased person in the van and the Indiana State Police report that “alcohol appears to be a factor.”
At 1:05 p.m., Fitzthum, 49, was westbound on I-70 near the 35-mile marker when the 2013 Dodge Caravan traveled off the roadway and into the median, where it collided with a tree.
The deceased elderly female in transport was transferred to another mortuary services vehicle from Simple Cremations and Burials, the Clinton funeral home company owned by Fitzthum.
An Indiana State Police spokesman said the investigation is ongoing in the case and no further information is being released this time.