Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash in Grant County
GRANT COUNTY, Indiana — Officers from the Indiana State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after 12:15 p.m. on February 16, 2026, on County Road 600 South near County Road 1150 East.
According to a preliminary investigation conducted by Master Trooper AJ Coffee, Alexander McGuin, 23, of Gas City, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound when the vehicle traveled off the roadway, struck a tree, and came to rest.
Three passengers were inside the vehicle: James M. Clark Jr., 21, of Dunkirk; Gracelynn N. Daniels, 19, of New Castle; and Michael L. Reading, 22, of Hartford City.
Clark Jr., Daniels, and McGuin were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Grant County Coroner’s Office. Authorities confirmed that next-of-kin notifications have been made. Reading was transported by medical helicopter to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Assisting agencies included the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor University Police Department, Van Buren Police Department, multiple local fire departments, EMS providers, and Lutheran Air.
Investigators say the crash remains under investigation. At this time, alcohol and/or narcotics use is suspected to have contributed to the incident, and speed is also believed to be a factor.
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