Greencastle man dies in accident in Greene County

The scene of the two-vehicle accident that claimed one man's life on Thursday evening, east of Worthington on State Road 67. (Photo by Anna Rochelle)

WORTHINGTON -- A Putnam County man is dead and a Worthington resident was taken by a medical helicopter to Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment following a head-on crash Thursday afternoon on State Road 67 -- near the Greene-Owen county line.

Brandon T. Goebel, 31, of Greencastle, died in the collision when his 2000 Hyundai, which was traveling north on State Road 67, struck a southbound 2001 Honda passenger car, driven by 22-year-old Benjamin E. Neeley, of Worthington.

Greene County Sheriff's Department Deputy Aaron Smith said the 4:10 p.m. accident is still under investigation. He said information will be released after a report from the accident scene reconstructionist is completed.

"Emergency personnel could not find an eyewitness to the accident," Smith stated.

Goebel was transfered from the scene of wreck near the bottom of Greene County Hill by a Greene County Ambulance Service unit to Greene County General Hospital at Linton where he was pronounced dead. He had to be extricated from his vehicle by first reponders using the 'Jaws of Life.'

Neeley, who was ejected from his vehicle, suffered internal injuries and a fractured left knee, according to deputy Smith. He was taken to the Indianapolis hospital by Air-Evac medical helicopter.

No condition report was immediately available.

S.R. 67 was closed -- near County Road 990N -- and traffic was diverted around the crash scene onto county roads while crews cleared the roadway.

Personnel from the Worthington-Jefferson Fire Department, Greene County Ambulance, Indiana State Police, and Greene County Deputy Coroner Tim Barker assisted at the scene.

Daily World Staff Writer Anna Rochelle contributed to this report.