LIGONIER, Ind. (WLKI)- A Fort Wayne man died following a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck Sunday morning south of Ligonier.
The Noble County Sheriff's Department said deputies were called around 9:29 a.m. to U.S. 33, about 200 feet south of its intersection with State Road 5. When they arrived, they found a 2009 Toyota RAV4 and a 2004 Peterbilt semi-truck blocking both northbound and southbound lanes.
Investigators said 73-year-old Leonard J. Jesse of Fort Wayne was driving north on U.S. 33 when his vehicle crossed the center line for an unknown reason and struck the southbound semi.
Witnesses told investigators they saw the Toyota travel left of center before the crash. Deputies said the semi driver was unable to avoid the collision.
Jesse was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified.
The semi was driven by 20-year-old Tyler J. Janssen of Coopersville, Michigan. Authorities said Janssen was not injured.
The Noble County Sheriff's Department was assisted by Ligonier Fire, Ligonier Police, Noble County EMS and the Noble County Coroner's Office.