In Loving Memory of Thomas J. Diener
The hearts of communities in Wisconsin and Indiana are heavy as they mourn the tragic loss of 26-year-old Thomas J. Diener, whose life was cut short in a devastating crash along U.S. 30 on Thursday night. What began as an ordinary evening ended in unimaginable heartbreak when a semi-truck collided with the pickup truck Thomas was sitting in—an impact so severe that it claimed his life at the scene.
On December 11th, at approximately 9:36 p.m., first responders were dispatched to the westbound lanes of U.S. 30, just west of the U.S. 31 intersection, after reports of a multi-vehicle crash and a vehicle engulfed in flames. What they found was the aftermath of a violent collision involving a 2016 Freightliner tractor-trailer and a 2024 Ford F250.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the Freightliner, driven by 47-year-old Abdussalam A. Noor of Maryland, was traveling westbound on U.S. 30 when it struck the Ford F250. The pickup truck, occupied by Thomas, was stopped on the shoulder behind a Bettcher’s Towing wrecker engaged in towing a white utility truck.
The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage, ejecting Thomas from the pickup truck. Despite immediate efforts by first responders to save him, Thomas was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Flames seen at the crash site originated from the front axle tires that had come loose from the semi, intensifying the urgency and chaos of an already devastating situation.
Three others were injured in the collision and transported to Memorial Hospital for treatment:
• Robbie D. Betts, passenger in the Ford F250
• Carter Haen, passenger in the Ford F250
• Ryan W. Carnahan, operator of the Bettcher’s Towing wrecker
The loss of Thomas Diener is deeply felt by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. At just 26 years old, he was a young man with a full life ahead of him—one filled with plans, hopes, and connections that now remain heartbreakingly unfinished. Those close to him will remember his kindness, his work ethic, his warmth, and the unique spark he brought into the lives of others.
His sudden passing serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change. As investigators with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department continue to piece together the details of the crash, one thing remains painfully clear: an irreplaceable life has been lost far too soon.
In this time of profound grief, the community stands with Thomas’s loved ones—offering support, prayers, and compassion as they navigate the overwhelming sorrow of his absence. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him, shaping the stories they tell, the tears they shed, and the moments of quiet reflection that honor the life he lived.
May Thomas J. Diener rest in eternal peace. May comfort surround those he leaves behind, and may justice, healing, and remembrance carry them through the difficult days ahead.