HUNTINGTON COUNTY, IN- A two vehicle rear-end collision claimed the life of a Huntington man. Briar M. Strle, age 29, of Huntington, Indiana, was the restrained driver of a 2008 Ford Econoline Van that struck the rear of a semi-tractor trailer on Friday afternoon, January 17, 2025 that was eastbound in the passing lane on US 24 and was slowing down to prepare to make a turn onto Old Fort Wayne Road. Mr. Strle failed to recognize the slowing semi and struck the trailer of the combination vehicle. Mr. Strle had attempted an evasive maneuver prior to impact, which caused the impact to then redirect the work van off the roadway onto the south side of US 24. The driver of the semi
tractor trailer was uninjured. Mr. Strle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.
An autopsy was conducted Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Ft. Wayne. The cause of death is blunt force traumatic injuries, and the manner of death is accidental. The investigation into the crash is ongoing by Huntington County Sheriff’s Office F.A.C.T. and the Huntington County Coroner’s Office, who extend their deepest sympathies to the Strle family and friends.
The coroner’s office was assisted by the Huntington County Sheriff’s Department, Huntington City Police Department, Indiana State Police, Roanoke Fire Department, Parkview Huntington Hospital EMS, Huntington County Traffic Team, and Huntington Central Dispatch.
