TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A man has pleaded guilty to two level 6 felonies after leaving the scene of a fatal crash caused after he pulled out in front of another car.
According to the Prosecuting Attorney of Vigo County, Terry Modesitt, on July 22, 2021, Ethan Kelsheimer drove a truck through an intersection pulling out in front of another vehicle, killing Alex Rodie and his wife Victoria Donna-Rodie.
After the crash, Kelsheimer left the scene and walked to his nearby home, according to Modesitt.
Once located, Modesitt said, Kelsheimer agreed to take a blood test that was then analyzed by the Indiana State Department of Toxicology. The report showed he was clean at the time of the crash.
Kelsheimer was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.
On January 1, 2025, Kelsheimer pleaded guilty to two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, level 6 felonies, according to Modesitt.
Kelsheimer received a two-year sentence to be served on home detention followed by two years of probation. According to Modesitt, additional conditions include the completion of 100 hours of community service, alcohol and drug evaluation, random alcohol and drug screens, and restitution.
If Kelsheimer completes all terms of the sentence, his convictions may be modified to misdemeanor convictions.
“This crash resulted in a tragic outcome, and our condolences go out to the family and friends of Alex Rodie,” said Modesitt. “Had the defendant remained at the scene, there would not have been a criminal case arising out of the crash. Because he consented to the blood draw, we know this was not the result of impaired driving. But this outcome stresses the importance of remaining at the scene of a crash and meeting the legal responsibilities required of every driver.”
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