“Forever in Our Hearts”: Goshen and Elkhart Mourn the Tragic Loss of Joseph Higgins Jr. After Fatal Crash on June 21

GOSHEN-ELKHART, IN — A profound sense of grief has blanketed the neighboring communities of Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, following the sudden and tragic death of 29-year-old Joseph Higgins Jr., who lost his life in a devastating vehicle crash on the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Authorities confirmed that the fatal accident occurred just after 9 p.m. on a rural stretch of County Road 38, not far from the Goshen city limits. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported a severe single-vehicle rollover crash involving a dark-colored SUV. Upon arrival, first responders found the vehicle mangled, having veered off the road before flipping and colliding with a utility pole. Higgins was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to preliminary findings from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, Higgins was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Investigators believe that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor, although the final accident report is still pending toxicology results and a full mechanical inspection of the vehicle. There were no signs of foul play or involvement of other vehicles at the time of reporting.

A Life Cut Short, A Community in Mourning

Joseph Higgins Jr. was a well-known and deeply loved figure in both Goshen and Elkhart. A proud graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School and a dedicated employee at a local manufacturing firm, Higgins was known not just for his work ethic but for his magnetic smile, his unshakeable loyalty to family and friends, and his unwavering kindness to everyone he met. He had recently celebrated his 29th birthday and was reportedly planning a family barbecue the following weekend.

Friends describe him as someone who “lit up the room” and had “a heart big enough to carry everyone’s burdens.” Whether he was mentoring younger coworkers, checking in on his grandparents, or volunteering at community events, Joseph’s impact on those around him was palpable.

“He never met a stranger,” said his cousin, Tyrell Marshall. “He was the kind of person who would stop whatever he was doing just to help someone else. This loss is unimaginable.”

Family Shattered by Loss

Higgins leaves behind a tight-knit family including his parents, Joseph Higgins Sr. and Renee Carter, two younger siblings, a fiancée, and a young daughter, Amiyah, who is only five years old. Loved ones say Joseph was a devoted father who never missed a weekend with Amiyah and took great pride in being her role model.

Renee Carter, his mother, expressed her heartbreak in a brief statement to local reporters:
“My baby was full of life and love. I don’t know how we’ll get through this, but I know he’d want us to stay strong, especially for his little girl.”

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help support funeral arrangements and to create a trust for Amiyah’s future. As of Monday morning, the fundraiser had already surpassed $10,000, a testament to the community’s love and support.

Vigil and Memorial Plans Underway

In the wake of the tragedy, community members from both towns have come together to honor Joseph’s life. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at Shanklin Park in Goshen, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue—Joseph’s favorite color—and to bring photos, candles, or written memories to share.

His funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at Agape Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service to follow at noon. Burial will take place at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Local pastors and grief counselors will also be present at the vigil and service, offering support to the many friends and family who are struggling to process the sudden loss.

An Urgent Reminder of Road Safety

Elkhart County Sheriff Jeff Siegel issued a statement urging residents to take caution while driving, especially as summer travel increases.

“We don’t yet know all the details of this tragic incident, but we do know that losing someone so young and full of promise leaves a lasting scar on the entire community,” Sheriff Siegel said. “Our prayers are with the Higgins family.”

As investigators continue to piece together the final moments of Joseph Higgins Jr.’s life, one thing remains painfully clear—his death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of many.

In both Goshen and Elkhart, Joseph’s memory lives on in the stories shared, the tears shed, and the many lives he touched in his too-short but deeply meaningful journey.

Rest in peace, Joseph Higgins Jr. Your light will never fade.