Warsaw, IN (February 17, 2026) – A Rochester man was killed Monday evening after being hit by a semi-truck while retrieving fallen cargo along U.S. 30 in Warsaw. The fatal collision occurred just before 6:30 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Meijer Dr.
Key Details
- Location: U.S. 30 westbound at Meijer Dr, Warsaw, Kosciusko County
- Reported: Monday, February 16 just before 6:30 p.m.
- Victim: Randy Williams, 69, of Rochester – fatally struck
- Involved Vehicles: Parked Ford F-150 and Kenworth T680 semi-truck
- Truck Driver: 30-year-old man from Wisconsin (uninjured)
- Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma, confirmed by county coroner
What We Know So Far
- Randy Williams exited his Ford F-150 to retrieve cargo that had fallen from the truck bed.
- His vehicle was parked on the shoulder, not in the active travel lanes.
- While attempting to secure the cargo, he was struck by an oncoming semi-truck.
- The collision remains under investigation by local authorities.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether visibility or road conditions played a role in the crash.
- The exact path of the semi-truck prior to the impact.
- Whether any citations or charges will be filed following the investigation.
Local Context
High-speed highways like U.S. 30 near Meijer Dr in Warsaw pose unique risks when drivers stop on shoulders, especially at night. In Kosciusko County, incidents involving pedestrians outside their vehicles often prompt deeper investigations into visibility, road design, and driver awareness. Emergency responders frequently coordinate with forensic teams when fatalities occur on express corridors like this one.
What to Do Next
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from first responders.
- Write down the time and location while details are fresh.
- Note nearby traffic signs or signals involved.
- Check traffic advisories before returning through the area.
FAQ
Q: Why can pedestrian crashes on highways be so deadly?
A: High-speed traffic, limited lighting, and driver reaction times all contribute to the severity of pedestrian impacts on highways. Even brief exposure outside a vehicle poses significant danger.
Q: Why do crashes involving parked vehicles still happen?
A: Shoulder areas are not completely safe zones. Drivers may drift out of lanes, get distracted, or not see pedestrians or stopped vehicles in time—especially during low-light conditions.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is “under investigation”?
A: It means police are collecting data including vehicle positions, witness statements, and potential surveillance footage. In fatal cases, this process can take days or weeks to conclude.
