Paragon, IN — A devastating collision in Morgan County on Saturday night left a woman dead after a crash involving a deer along State Road 67 near Paragon, according to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the chain-reaction crash unfolded when a vehicle traveling northbound on SR 67 struck a deer crossing the roadway. The impact propelled the animal into the southbound lanes, where a second vehicle was unable to avoid it, resulting in a deadly collision.
The passenger of that southbound vehicle suffered fatal injuries. Family members have identified the victim as 26-year-old (age not explicitly stated, but she is described as a young mother) Cheyenne Sears, a beloved healthcare worker and mother of young twins.
Victim Identified as Healthcare Worker and Devoted Mother
Loved ones shared that Cheyenne Sears worked at Trilogy Health Services, serving as the Assistant Director of Health Services at The Springs of Mooresville. Her family described her as a dedicated mother whose life centered around caring for her children and serving her community.
In a statement released by Trilogy Health Services, representatives honored Sears’ impact:
“Cheyenne was a beloved part of our community whose warmth and dedication touched the lives of many residents and families. Her energy, positivity and love for her residents, teammates and community were unmatched. Her commitment to creating meaningful experiences and caring for others will be remembered always.”
The sudden loss has devastated staff members, residents, and families at the senior care facility where she worked. Her colleagues noted that Sears’ compassion and bright spirit made her an irreplaceable member of the healthcare team.
A Sudden Accident with Heartbreaking Consequences
Deputies explained that both collisions occurred in rapid sequence. When the deer was thrown into opposing traffic, the driver of the southbound vehicle had no time to react, leading to the fatal impact.
Officials have not reported any serious injuries to others involved in the crash. The identity of the driver in the northbound vehicle has not yet been released, and authorities have not reported any wrongdoing or charges.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including vehicle speeds, weather visibility, and lighting conditions at the time of the crash.
Ongoing Safety Concern: Wildlife Collisions
Crashes involving deer are a well-known hazard throughout Indiana, especially during the fall months when deer movement increases due to mating season and changes in feeding patterns. Wildlife-related crashes are most common:
- During dusk and dawn
- In rural or wooded areas
- On high-speed roads like SR 67
Officials encourage drivers to remain alert and reduce speed in areas where deer activity is common. Even a single deer in the roadway can create a dangerous situation, and secondary impacts — like the one that killed Sears — are unfortunately not rare.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you regularly drive on State Road 67 or in deer-heavy areas?
Share your condolences, safety concerns, and personal experiences in the comments.
