Local News
37-year-old Amber Gogel killed in head-on crash in Spencer County
SAINT MEINRAD, Indiana — A tragic two-vehicle collision in Spencer County claimed the life of a Dale woman and left another driver seriously injured Monday evening, according to authorities.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on State Road 162, just north of State Road 62 and west of Saint Meinrad.
Preliminary findings from the Indiana State Police indicate that Amber Gogel, 37, of Dale, was traveling northbound in an SUV when her vehicle crossed the center line for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a southbound vehicle.
Gogel was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officials.
The driver of the second vehicle, Amanda Kern, 40, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Deaconess Memorial Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities reported that she was in stable condition as of Tuesday.
The Spencer County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for Gogel as part of the investigation.
Trooper Levi Hupp of the Indiana State Police is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Claus Police Department, and Spencer County EMS.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including possible contributing factors.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.