“The loss of any of our Guardsmen is tragic, and we offer deepest and heartfelt condolences to the soldier’s families, loved ones and friends.”
BOONE COUNTY, Ind — The Indiana National Guard on Monday, Nov. 17 released the name of the soldier killed in a crash on Interstate 65 in Boone County Friday, Nov. 14.
Specialist Terry Frye, 23, of Lafayette, was identified as the guardsman who died in the Nov. 14 crash. Frye served in the Indiana National Guard since March 2020 as an infantryman with Company D in Frankfort, officials said.
Frye earned the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon during his five years of service.
The crash was reported around 12:15 p.m. Nov. 14 along southbound I-65 near I-865. The highway was back open at 4:20 p.m.
A spokesperson with the Indiana National Guard said the guardsmen were heading to Camp Atterbury for drill weekend.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved one Humvee, an SUV and a car hauler truck.
Frye was pronounced dead at the scene, and three injured guardsmen were taken a hospital with serious injuries.
“The loss of any of our Guardsmen is tragic, and we offer deepest and heartfelt condolences to the soldier’s families, loved ones and friends,” a National Guard spokesperson said in a statement.
In an update Nov. 17, the spokesperson said the crash remains under investigation “and the status and condition of the other three soldiers will be updated later.”
The spokesperson said the Humvees were traveling in a convoy, but they try to not travel all together as to not hold up traffic.
There were two Humvees in the area at the time of the crash, one of which had a trailer. The spokesperson said the Humvee without the trailer flipped over and ejected the four guardsmen.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the Humvee to flip.
According to the sheriff’s office, the drivers of the SUV and hauler truck were treated at the scene.
The crash was first reported by INDOT, citing the sheriff’s office, which said the crash involved a military vehicle.
The spokesperson said more information will be provided after the loved ones of the guardsmen involved have been notified.
“We take our responsibility to soldiers and their families seriously. As an organization, we become a family to each other, and the death of a fellow service member resonates throughout the force. We offer our sincerest condolences to the soldier’s family, friends and fellow soldiers. The loss is felt deeply, and we will continue to provide support to his family,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana National Guard adjutant general.