Press Release

ORA — An EMT is dead after a two-vehicle accident involving an ambulance in Starke County.

Around 3:22 p.m. CDT Saturday, Aug. 5, a Starke County ambulance was traveling east on CR 800S near Ora, responding to an emergency call. According to a press release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, it was reported at the time of the crash the ambulance had its emergency lights and siren activated.

A vehicle traveling north on CR 700E entered the CR 800S intersection, hitting the ambulance’s side. This vehicle was operated by Eva Horan. As a result of the collision, the ambulance rolled over.

The ambulance’s driver, EMT Michael Wilcox Sr., was pronounced dead at the scene by the Starke County Coroner’s Office. Paramedic Brandy Salita, who was a passenger in the ambulance, was taken to Northwest Hospital in LaPorte in serious condition. Horan was taken to Northwest Starke Hospital with minor injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. The Indiana State Police assisted with scene reconstruction. Other assisting agencies include the North Judson Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Bass Lake Fire Department, Knox Fire Department, North Judson Fire Department, Culver EMS, and the Starke County Coroner’s Office.