Good Samaritan Struck and Killed in Indiana Highway Crash; Suspected Drunk Driver in Custody
Bristow, Indiana — A Perry County man was killed in a heartbreaking roadside tragedy early Saturday morning after stopping to help a stranded driver along State Road 145. Authorities say the man was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver who failed to slow down as he approached the scene.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 12:19 a.m. near the intersection of State Road 145 and Cattail Road, in a rural stretch just outside the community of Bristow.
According to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Timothy Neyenhaus, driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway, becoming stuck in a culvert. His truck remained partially in the southbound lane.
As Neyenhaus attempted to resolve the situation, two bystanders stopped in the northbound lane to offer assistance. The group was working around the disabled vehicle when tragedy struck.
Investigators say Jeffery A. Rasche, driving a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, was heading southbound on State Road 145 when he failed to slow or stop, ultimately crashing into Neyenhaus and the vehicle.
Neyenhaus was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alleged Drunk Driver Faces Felony Charges
Deputies arriving at the scene detained Rasche on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. He was transported to the Perry County Detention Center, where he now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with Endangerment
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
The Perry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active, and additional evidence—including toxicology reports and witness statements—is being reviewed.
“This is a tragic example of how one person’s reckless decision can lead to irreversible consequences,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said.
Emergency Response Praised
A swift and coordinated emergency response involved several local agencies working through the overnight hours to secure the scene and assist investigators. The Sheriff’s Office publicly thanked the following:
- Perry County Fire-Rescue
- Saint Meinrad Fire Department
- Anderson Township Fire Department
- Perry County EMS
- Perry County Coroner’s Office
- Tell City Central Dispatch
- Ohio Valley Towing
“This was a complex scene requiring precision, teamwork, and urgency,” said one responder. “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones.”
Community Reeling After Sudden Loss
Though authorities have not released further details about Timothy Neyenhaus, early accounts describe him as a person who didn’t hesitate to stop and help others—even in the middle of the night on a rural highway.
Locals in Perry County are mourning the loss of a man remembered for his good heart and selflessness. One neighbor who knew Neyenhaus called the tragedy “devastating, but not surprising that he would stop to help someone.”
“He was always the kind of guy who’d pull over and ask if you were okay. That’s just who he was,” the neighbor said.
Call for Witnesses and Road Safety Reminder
Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has dashcam footage from the area between midnight and 12:30 a.m. to contact the Perry County Sheriff’s Office directly.
Officials also issued a renewed plea for safe and sober driving, especially during nighttime hours.
“Every time someone chooses to drive impaired, they gamble with lives,” said a law enforcement official. “This case ended with a good man losing his life while trying to help.”
The incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the dangers posed by impaired drivers — and the fragility of life, even in moments of compassion.