Columbus Woman Killed in Ripley County Crash

Two vehicle crash near Holton

Wednesday, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Indiana State Police and Ripley County Sheriff’s Department investigated a two vehicle crash near Holton, Indiana that resulted in the death of a Columbus, Indiana woman.

The initial investigation indicated that a black 2014 Buick Verano, being driven by Marion W. T. Harding, age 21, Holton, Indiana was traveling northbound on Michigan Road at US 50.  Harding’s vehicle failed to yield to a red 2010 Nissan Rogue being driven by Craig A. Schneckenberger, age 62, Columbus, Indiana that was traveling westbound on US 50.  Harding’s vehicle entered onto US 50 into the path of Schneckenberger’s vehicle.  Schneckenberger’s vehicle struck the passenger side of Harding’s vehicle.  Both vehicles left the roadway before coming to rest.

Harding along with a front seat passenger in his vehicle, Minor W. Adams, age 77, were both transported by air ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.  A 16 year old backseat passenger was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Schneckenberger was airlifted to Indiana University Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN for treatment of serious injuries.  A front seat passenger in Schneckenberger’s vehicle, Sally Schneckenberger, age 61, Columbus, Indiana was transported by ambulance to King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana where she then passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Toxicology results on both drivers are pending at this time.

The Schneckenberger family has been notified.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Herbert Houseworth, Ripley County Sheriff’s Department along with Troopers Andrew Garrett and Matthew Holley, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team.

The Indiana State Police and Ripley County Sheriff’s Department were assisted at the scene by the Osgood Police Department, Ripley County EMS, Sunman Rescue 20, Jennings County EMS, Versailles Fire Department, Holton Fire Department, Air Methods, Stat Flight, and IU Health Medical Helicopters.