Officials Investigate Cause of Tragic Collision on State Road 37 That Claimed the Life of Tell City Resident Michael Knasel
Perry County, IN – A deadly two-vehicle crash on State Road 37 claimed the life of 45-year-old Michael Knasel of Tell City on Wednesday morning, prompting an extensive investigation by local and state authorities.
According to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls shortly before 11:10 a.m., reporting a serious collision near Alamo Road.
Preliminary findings indicate that Knasel was driving a 1997 GMC pickup truck southbound when, for reasons still unknown, his vehicle crossed the center line into the path of an oncoming semi-truck and trailer.
The impact was devastating. Knasel sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The semi-truck driver, whose name has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation but was not reported to have life-threatening injuries.
Authorities closed State Road 37 for nearly five hours, keeping it shut down until approximately 3:45 p.m. as investigators meticulously documented the scene, gathered evidence, and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Indiana State Police (ISP) have now launched a full crash reconstruction analysis in an effort to understand what led to the collision. Officials have not yet determined whether speed, weather conditions, mechanical failure, or medical issues played a role in Knasel’s fatal crash.
Authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward as they work to piece together the final moments before the crash.
A Tragic Loss: Community Remembers Michael Knasel
As news of Michael Knasel’s tragic passing spread through Tell City and the surrounding Perry County area, an outpouring of grief followed from family, friends, and community members who knew and loved him.
Knasel was known as a hardworking, kind-hearted individual with a deep passion for his family, his work, and the great outdoors. He had strong ties to the Tell City community, where he spent much of his life.
“Mike was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He was always there for his friends and family,” said longtime friend Jeffrey Stanton.
Knasel’s family has not yet publicly commented on his passing, but those close to him describe him as a devoted father, loving son, and a man who took great pride in his work and relationships.
A close neighbor, Linda Mercer, recalled Knasel’s love for classic cars, fishing, and weekend barbecues with his closest friends.
“He was always working on some kind of project. If he wasn’t fixing up an old truck, he was out fishing by the river. It’s just heartbreaking to lose him this way,” Mercer said.
Knasel’s Facebook page has since been flooded with condolences, memories, and photos shared by those mourning his loss.
Crash Investigation: What Could Have Caused the Tragic Collision?
The Indiana State Police (ISP) Crash Reconstruction Team is now leading the effort to determine what caused Knasel to veer into the path of the semi-truck.
At this stage, authorities have not ruled out any possible contributing factors, including:
- Driver Fatigue – Could Knasel have fallen asleep at the wheel?
- Medical Emergency – Did he suffer a heart attack or other medical event?
- Mechanical Failure – Could a tire blowout, brake failure, or steering issue have caused the accident?
- Weather or Road Conditions – Were there factors such as wet roads or debris that caused him to lose control?
- Distracted Driving – Was Knasel possibly using his phone, adjusting the radio, or otherwise distracted?
The semi-truck driver is cooperating fully with the investigation, and authorities will review his vehicle’s dashcam footage to better understand the exact sequence of events.
Additionally, investigators are examining:
- Skid marks and debris patterns to determine how fast each vehicle was traveling.
- Toxicology reports to rule out any possibility of impaired driving.
- Traffic camera and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Officials expect a full report to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point they will release final conclusions on what caused the deadly crash.
The Dangers of Highway Collisions: Semi-Trucks vs. Passenger Vehicles
This tragedy highlights the severe risks of collisions between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Nearly 5,000 people die in crashes involving semi-trucks each year in the U.S.
- Over 70% of fatalities in these crashes are passenger vehicle occupants.
- Most deadly truck crashes occur on highways and rural roads—like State Road 37.
- The leading causes of truck accidents include distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and mechanical failures.
Due to their massive size and weight, semi-trucks are significantly more dangerous in collisions, often leading to fatalities when smaller vehicles are involved.
Authorities are now using this case to raise awareness about the importance of road safety, urging drivers to remain alert, cautious, and focused when traveling near large commercial vehicles.
A Community Comes Together: Support for Knasel’s Family
In the wake of Michael Knasel’s passing, his family and friends are rallying together to honor his memory and provide support for his loved ones.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and other costs related to his passing. Within hours of launching, donations began pouring in, with hundreds of people contributing and sharing messages of support.
“Mike was a true friend and a great guy. We want to help his family during this incredibly difficult time,” said organizer Amanda Carter.
Community members are also planning:
- A memorial service to celebrate Knasel’s life.
- A candlelight vigil at the crash site in his honor.
- A tribute drive featuring classic cars, one of Knasel’s favorite pastimes.
Local business owners and residents have expressed their condolences, with some pledging to donate proceeds from sales to help Knasel’s family.
Final Thoughts: Remembering Michael Knasel and Seeking Answers
As investigators work to determine what caused the tragic crash, the Tell City community mourns the loss of a beloved friend, father, and neighbor.
The circumstances of his passing serve as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be—and the importance of road safety for all drivers.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the crash to contact the Perry County Sheriff’s Office or the Indiana State Police.
Michael Knasel’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and as his family and friends prepare to say their final goodbyes, the community stands beside them in solidarity and support.
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