On 4/5/2026 at approximately 2:47 P.M. emergency crews responded to a crash on County Road 200 West near County Road 1200 South. Hunter Cooper (21) of Hartford City was traveling northbound in a white 2018 BMW at a high rate of speed on Blackford County Road 600 East. When he crossed into Wells County (now County Road 200 West), he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed the center line and went passenger side first into a utility pole, snapping it in half. The vehicle then rolled into the field. Hunter was injured and taken to a hospital.

A passenger, Anthony Dalley (20) of Montpelier was ejected and also taken to a hospital with injuries. Another passenger, Gavyn Orlando (19) of Hartford City was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This is an on-going investigation.

Agencies Involved: Wells County Sheriff’s Office, Wells County EMS, Liberty Center Fire/Rescue, Chester Fire, Indiana State Police, Wells County Coroner, and the Bluffton 911 Center.