The DeMotte community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old Marjorie Rottier of Lowell, Indiana, following a tragic multi-vehicle crash that occurred on State Road 10 in Jasper County on June 8, 2026. The devastating collision claimed Rottier’s life despite the efforts of emergency responders and the use of vehicle safety equipment.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:17 p.m. after receiving numerous 911 calls reporting a serious crash near County Road 1100 West. Preliminary findings indicate that a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 26-year-old Kiana Bessette of Wheatfield was traveling eastbound when it struck the rear of a 2006 Mini Cooper operated by Rottier. Two juvenile passengers were traveling with Rottier at the time.
The force of the impact pushed the Mini Cooper into the westbound lane, where it was struck by a 2024 Ford F-150 driven by 45-year-old Lori Asztalof of Lowell. Investigators further reported that the Ford Fusion continued eastbound and collided with a 2019 Ford Flex operated by 64-year-old Penny Diehl of Rensselaer, who was also traveling with two juvenile passengers.
Authorities confirmed that seat belts were in use in all vehicles involved and that airbags deployed during the collision. Despite these safety measures, Marjorie Rottier suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Emergency personnel from Keener Township EMS and Newton County EMS transported all other individuals involved to regional trauma centers in Crown Point, Indiana, and Kankakee, Illinois, for medical evaluation and treatment. Due to severe weather conditions, air medical transport services were unable to assist.
The crash remains under investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, with support from the Indiana State Police and the Jasper County Coroner’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by the Keener Township Fire Department, the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, and the DeMotte Police Department. Authorities have stated that further information will be released as the investigation continues.
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