UPDATED: Two dead after S.R. 42 head-on collision Tuesday

Thursday, June 17, 2021
The aftermath of the two-vehicle crash that occurred on State Road 42 at the iron bridge over Mill Creek. This photo was taken after the driver of the silver sedan was extricated.
Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

CLOVERDALE — Two motorists are dead following a head-on collision on State Road 42 southeast of Cloverdale late Tuesday morning.

At about 11 a.m., first responders were called to the iron bridge crossing Mill Creek for a two-vehicle crash. Putnam County EMS arrived at the scene at about 11:07 with other personnel coming shortly afterward.

According to a witness, a maroon GMC Envoy driven by Gary Bailey, 72, of the Cloverdale area, was westbound approaching the bridge when it crossed the center line. A silver sedan driven by Billie Hatton, 21, of the Spencer area, was going eastbound when it tried to avoid hitting the Envoy by crossing into the opposite lane. The Envoy then reportedly overcorrected and smashed head-on into the sedan.

While the impact killed Bailey, Hatton had a faint pulse when paramedics got to her. Automated chest compressions were performed, but Hatton could not be revived.

Hatton’s baby daughter was also with her when the crash occurred. She was flown by a StatFlight helicopter to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis and is in intensive care. However, Putnam County Sheriff Scott Stockton told the Banner Graphic Thursday afternoon that she is improving.

The witness also stated that the Envoy appeared to be going at an excessive speed before the collision.

Along with Putnam County EMS, the local agencies present at the scene were the Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The Indiana Department of Transportation also assisted with traffic control.

Autopsies on both drivers were done on Wednesday. Putnam County Coroner Jon Myers told the Banner Graphic Thursday morning that both succumbed from blunt force trauma.

Myers also said that toxicology reports for both are pending.

Putnam County Dispatch told the Banner Graphic Thursday afternoon that the bridge was reopened to traffic at about 2:40 p.m.

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  • Beyond tragic. Prayers for the baby.

    -- Posted by Ben Dover on Tue, Jun 15, 2021, at 8:07 PM
  • So sad. My prayers are for all concerned and their families and friends.

    -- Posted by interestedperson#1 on Tue, Jun 15, 2021, at 9:12 PM
  • what a terrible tragedy...does anybody know about the child

    -- Posted by ERROR404 on Thu, Jun 17, 2021, at 11:23 AM
  • Did the baby live

    -- Posted by gmafarrell2013 on Thu, Jun 17, 2021, at 5:32 PM
  • The last report I heard was the little girl is improving.

    -- Posted by Nit on Thu, Jun 17, 2021, at 8:22 PM
  • After consulting with the doctors, the father has decided to take the baby off of life support tonight.

    -- Posted by unbiased on Fri, Jun 18, 2021, at 11:08 PM
  • Many prayers going out to both families.

    -- Posted by Nit on Sat, Jun 19, 2021, at 9:58 AM
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