In Loving Memory of Masey Ward and Rogelio Diaz Gomez A Community Grieves After a Tragic, Preventable Crash on U.S. 231
NEW MARKET — Hearts are heavy across Montgomery County as the identities of the two people killed in Monday’s devastating three-vehicle crash on U.S. 231 have been released. The tragedy has shaken families, first responders, and the entire region, leaving many mourning lives taken far too soon.
26-year-old Masey Ward, of Brazil, and 38-year-old Rogelio Diaz Gomez, of Greencastle, were traveling together in a 2021 Kia K5 when the crash occurred. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene, their lives cut short in a matter of seconds by a violent collision no one should have had to endure. Masey, remembered as a bright, loving young woman, and Rogelio, cherished by friends and family, leave behind grieving loved ones who must now face an unthinkable loss.
A 41-year-old man riding in the back seat of the Kia survived but suffered serious injuries. He had to be extricated from the heavily damaged vehicle and was airlifted by LifeLine helicopter to a hospital in the Indianapolis area. His current condition is unknown, and the community holds tightly to hope for his recovery.
The crash also left others injured. 73-year-old Sandra Hutson, of Crawfordsville, was driving the 2024 Buick Enclave that became part of the chain reaction. Several passengers in her vehicle sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance to Franciscan Health Crawfordsville. Their recovery journeys will undoubtedly be long and difficult, but their survival brings a glimmer of relief in the midst of overwhelming grief.
The third driver involved, 39-year-old Richard L. Neal, of New Market, was operating a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. Neal was transported to a local hospital following the crash, and once medically cleared, he was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on multiple preliminary charges. After reviewing the police reports, the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged Neal with:
- Two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death
- Five counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury
- Two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person
He remains incarcerated without bond. Court records indicate Neal also has a pending criminal case from mid-August involving felony criminal confinement with bodily injury and domestic battery.
Montgomery County Sheriff Ryan Needham spoke with deep emotion following the tragedy, calling the crash “a senseless, completely avoidable, criminal act in which many lives have been affected.” His message echoed the sentiments of countless community members stunned by the preventable nature of this loss. “There is absolutely no reason this incident should have happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families affected by this tragic crash.”
The crash was reported at 3:14 p.m. on Monday. According to investigators, Neal was driving east on County Road 600S when he entered the westbound lane and passed multiple stopped eastbound vehicles. He then proceeded through the intersection and into the travel lanes of U.S. 231—where his Silverado struck the southbound Kia carrying Ward, Diaz Gomez, and their passenger.
The violent force of the impact pushed the Kia into the northbound lane, where it collided with Hutson’s Buick Enclave, which carried six occupants. The devastating chain reaction unfolded in moments, leaving wrecked vehicles, injured survivors, and two precious lives lost.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact Capt. Jake Watson, Detective Jared Kirby, or Deputy Caleb Berry at 765-362-3740.
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the many agencies and responders who rushed to the scene and assisted throughout the operation, including the Crawfordsville Police Department, Indiana State Police, Crawfordsville Fire Department, New Market Fire Department, Ladoga Fire Department, the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, Froedge’s Wrecker, and Wilson’s Towing.
As the community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Masey Ward and Rogelio Diaz Gomez, their loved ones hold onto memories full of warmth, joy, and love—memories untouched by tragedy. Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but their lives will continue to be honored through the strength of those who knew them and the compassion of a community standing together in grief.
May their souls rest peacefully, and may all those affected find comfort, healing, and hope in the days ahead.