Jeffersonville, IN (August 4, 2025) – A devastating overnight crash in Jeffersonville left two men hospitalized with serious injuries after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver in the early hours of Friday morning. The incident happened around 12:46 a.m. at the intersection of Pearl St and West Maple St, according to a press release issued by the Jeffersonville Police Department.
When officers arrived on scene, they found two unconscious adult male pedestrians who had been hit by a vehicle. Both were immediately transported by EMS crews to a local hospital for urgent care. Authorities later identified the victims as Kirk Nuthak and Lincoln Ottersbach.
Officials confirmed that one of the men regained consciousness following the crash, but was reported to have sustained “significant injuries.” Family members have since shared that Nuthak suffered multiple bone fractures and had to be placed on a breathing tube. Ottersbach, meanwhile, endured several broken bones requiring surgical intervention.
Tragically, this incident altered major life events for both victims. Ottersbach had been scheduled to marry on Saturday, but the wedding was postponed. Nuthak and his wife are expecting their first child in November.
Jeffersonville police arrested 30-year-old Benjamin Fox in connection with the crash. He was booked into the Clark County Jail and now faces multiple preliminary charges, including two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and one count of operating while intoxicated causing endangerment.
We extend our deepest hopes for healing to both victims and their families as they begin recovery from this heartbreaking event.
Pedestrian DUI Crashes in Indiana
Pedestrian-involved DUI crashes like the one at Pearl and W Maple Sts are some of the most life-altering collisions on Indiana’s roads. These incidents not only cause significant physical trauma, but often ripple through victims’ families—disrupting milestones like weddings, births, and day-to-day stability.
In cases like Friday’s crash, where pedestrians were reportedly struck while unconscious and sustained serious injuries, long-term medical needs are likely. Common consequences of DUI pedestrian collisions include broken limbs, internal injuries, brain trauma, and emotional distress—all requiring prolonged recovery and financial support.
Indiana law imposes harsh penalties for intoxicated driving, especially when it results in bodily harm. But for the victims, justice is only one part of the picture. Recovery may involve surgeries, rehabilitation, missed work, and emotional trauma for both individuals and their families.
The Jeffersonville community will likely rally behind Nuthak and Ottersbach, but the broader takeaway remains: impaired driving continues to pose a severe risk not just to drivers, but to everyone sharing the road—especially pedestrians.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a DUI-related pedestrian crash, Local Accident Reports is here to provide critical assistance. We’ll help you access your crash report, connect with appropriate care providers, and take informed next steps during this difficult time. Don’t navigate recovery alone—contact us today to get the support you need.
