Car accident leaves one dead, two injured Save Email Print
Kosciusko County
Posted: 6:58 PM Dec 4, 2007
 Last Updated: 7:17 PM Dec 4, 2007
95 comments
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An accident in western Kosciusko County left one man dead and two other people injured.

The crash happened around three on Tuesday afternoon.

Police tell us that drivers in two cars were going the same direction on old U.S. 30, just west of Atwood, near Hoffman Lake. They say the drivers of those cars did know each other.

One car successfully passed a mail truck. The second driver tried to pass too, but went off the road and then overcorrected. That is when the second car hit an oncoming truck.

The truck’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The two injured people were airlifted to a South Bend hospital where one is in severe and one in critical condition.
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Posted by: Josh clemons the one in the accident Location: bourbon on Jun 15, 2008 at 01:22 AM
thats to all of the prays that were all sent to me and hoffers family!when i first woke up in the hospital i wouldnt talk wouldnt really do anything was kinda scared not knowing if im going to be the same like i was be the accident!I really dont remember nothing of the accident i had serious brain injured the doc said im not going to me 100% perfect like i was before,but now i can talk clear,and walk good. to all of the people making smark comments about me i was the passenger not driven.idk how fast we were going.blake is my best friend after chase turn around to come to the accident,chase driven doind 5-10mph blake jump out of the car an got up and ran to me i was half on the seat half off. was ejecked out of the car for 200ft! im doing good somedays ill wake up and my legs will me hurting i can take the pain....just thankful im still alive...thank u GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! about ryan the drive of the jetta......i know it was an accident no hard feeling bro!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Atwood on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:18 AM
For all you people who came on here and say things that are not true and dont know whats going on put your selfs in this place and dont say none have you have ever went over the speed limit because everyone has. if you were put in this place then you wouldnt want peoples saying this stuff about you IT WAS AN ACCIDENT... thats it ya i know Ryan messed up bad but none of you know what he is going thought enless it happened to you. People in this world judge way to quick and it need to stop.
Posted by: J Location: Atwood on Dec 28, 2007 at 01:35 PM
All of you people whom are offened by this board need not check it any more. Period! If you can't take what is being posted then stop reading it. People can express what ever they feel like. You are not to say what can or can't be said.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Indianapolis on Dec 28, 2007 at 12:51 AM
You never really comprehend the death of loved ones as much as you do during holidays.I know Christmas is over, but here is my wish. My wish is that everyone would quit using this comment board to be mean and hurtful. The comments are not benefiting anyone. Instead pray for my family and all of the families involved. My grandfather was a good Christian man. He, above all people, knew that the only real judgement can come from God. Let the situation rest in his hands. Learn from it.
Posted by: Tracy Location: Goshen on Dec 27, 2007 at 11:24 AM
My heart is breaking. People are arguing every side and being as hurtful as they can be. "Shut your mouth", "Go to Hell", and calling someone an idiot are not nice things to say. It is sad to think I'm sharing my community with people like this. I pray for all families involved and for those that cannot act proper.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: IN on Dec 27, 2007 at 01:21 AM
wow i can't believe how imature everyone on this site is being... STOP! to blame this on josh when he is still in the hospital and was not driving it was an accident and if you people knew these boys maybe you would have some compassion yes i am sorry that Mr. Hoffer died and there is no excuse for people to be driving stupid but leave it up to the courts to decide what happens shut the hell up and stay out of it! it is in Gods hand now...Pray for the families involed because we all know they need it right now.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: IN on Dec 26, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Well said J from Atwood. I would add to your statement about Josh and Ryan being directly responsible but also the other idiot friends that were in the other car that were they racing be held responsible as well. It's kind of sad that their friends that WEREN'T even involved or at the scene are trying to change the story about what really happened trying to make people believe that it was just an accident. I say to those idiotic friends, GROW UP!!!!!!
Posted by: J Location: Atwood on Dec 26, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Josh and Ryan's friends and family that post on here, show each and every time how ignorant they really are. There is NO DOUBT a race was in progress. There was no innocent mistake. Your boys KILLED Keith Hoffer. Its no punishment to have shame. What a crock! Wake up to reality! Use spell check as another stated. Speak in complete sentences. Stop covering up the facts. You are as guilty as they are. Obviously you think its okay to do what they did. How about some apologies for the death and stupidity that was committed. The reason people say things on here, is because we are hurt and grieving and you flat out make excuses for the boys. Dozzy should not have died that day and Josh and Ryan are DIRECTLY responsible for that. Until you decide to act like grown adults with a logical and compassionate demeanor, expect to get blasted by others on here.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: IN on Dec 25, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Manslaughter is killing without prior intent. The actions of ryan were not mean to kill but that was the consequence of foolish decisions. Whether they were racing or not,driving is a privilege and not a right. Driving at high speeds puts everybody in danger. Young people think they are invincible and laugh in the face of danger. Nobody is laughing now.
Posted by: the truth Location: Indiana on Dec 19, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Read the police reports in last weeks Bourbon News Mirror dated Dec.12,2007!! I pray for the Hoffer family.
Posted by: Hasko Location: laport on Dec 19, 2007 at 10:10 AM
i just wanted to wish the famlies the best luck and to hold your heads up hope josh gets better soon and i hope ryan doesnt get in to much trouble because what happened i think is enough punishment because it was an accident so i think everybody bad mouthing him should shut there mouths
Posted by: cassie Location: atwood on Dec 19, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Ryan id my brother and for you people to sit here and say that he should be charged with manslaughter can go to hell cuz he didnt mean to kill anyone AND FOR THE RECORD THEY WERE NOT RACING so stop saying it all you people think you know the story and you dont so why dont you just shut up and mind your own business and let us mind ours.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: in on Dec 19, 2007 at 09:02 AM
ever body needs to blame one person that did this in thats is the driver ryan the other boys didnt due this especailly josh he was the passendger its shame that it happen accident it was no accident it was reckless driving on ryan part not nobdy else he has his on mind no right from wrong he wants to be and adult then try him as an adult. ryan is the only one to blame for this nobody else mr hoffer and josh was just in the wrong place wrong time. the police need to arrest him for manslaughter in reckless hommicied.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: in on Dec 19, 2007 at 08:49 AM
i believe that ryan should pay for what he has done nobody in there right mind would of drove that fast. he should be charge for manslaughter. and reckless driving. it maybe been a game to him but look what happenone one died and the other boy josh is in bad shape.. if this was ryan that died are was hurt his parents would sue the pants off the other familes. the police need to arrest you ryan in put you in jail for a long time nobody else cause this but you acting stupied again you will never ever learn because thats the person your are. u say your sorry but if you where sorry be a man in grow up before you do this again because you will it will take time . because you say have learn you lesson but you havent.your the only one that cause this accident not mr hoffer are josh you where behind the wheel nobody else. i hope the parents sue the pants off you and mr hoffer familes sues you too. you may cry and be sad but you watch you will drive fast again because you like that rush
Posted by: Anonymous Location: warsaw on Dec 19, 2007 at 05:06 AM
how can any of u people sit here and say these boys did nothing wrong police reports and everything show that they did....Oh lets race in a no passing zone up a hill to see who's car is faster....STUPID....yea they tell their families whatt hey want to hear...Gee, if they would have just went out and shot someone and said it was an accident u going to believe them then to?
Posted by: shawna Location: bourbon on Dec 16, 2007 at 04:00 PM
i know everybody involved in this wreck and i do believe that it was all in accident. Doozy was a great guy i remember seeing him as a kid at the lil ice cream shop thoughts go out to his family!!! as for ryan blake and josh i know none of them would ever hurt or kill anybody on purpose. i dont know all the details of the wreck and im sure half of the ppl leaving comment dont know either. ryan blake and josh i pray for you guys. be strong and keep your head up.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: etna green on Dec 16, 2007 at 03:41 PM
that wreck needs to be in the Guinness world records thats the worse wreck ive ever seen. thoughts go out to all those involved
Posted by: betty Location: etna green on Dec 15, 2007 at 10:22 PM
I hope and pray the boys have learned a valuable lesson, and realize the reality of how quickly lives are taken away. Pray for all numerous family members, involved. This is so sad, and now we have the Holidays, upon us.
Posted by: n o name Location: in. on Dec 13, 2007 at 10:11 PM
this is getting blowed way out. people saying things about the accident dont even really no what hapeen it should be up to police to make the report on the accident in nobody else. how would you like if this was you where in this accident in people where saying this about you without the real facts nobody now except the police department what really happen. e verybody needs to keep there remarks to there self
Posted by: maegan on Dec 12, 2007 at 09:35 AM
these comments are just making more ppl hurt an suffer more than they really should.
Posted by: maegan on Dec 12, 2007 at 09:33 AM
i think people should just mind their own business an let god do wat he thinks should be done... things happen for a reason everybody jokes around until somebody gets hurt now look they learned their lesson...its not like they did it on purpose they were just messing around like any other teenager does...even older people i know race not just 17-18 yr olds. its just life not anybodys fault an all u ppl r doing is placing blame on something u know nothing about...the only ppl that really know nething bout this is their families, friends, and them. Plus u shouldnt judge ppl wen u dont even kno them its not right an u wouldnt like it if it happened to u. It was an accident an accidents happen everyday, even with older ppl not just teens. Everybody thinks just cuz ur young ur stupid well thats not true i kno old an young ppl an hang out wit both of em an they act the same an just as imature as other ppl are no matter what age......so just stop complaining an let it b.
Posted by: Cash Location: Bourbon on Dec 11, 2007 at 11:26 PM
"Thou shall not judge" -THE BIBLE stop wasting your time... these comments are going NO WHERE!
Posted by: Dont worry about it Location: Indiana on Dec 11, 2007 at 10:13 PM
To all thoses people whos saying the boys need to rot in hell needs to drop dead. you people dont know anything about the wreck or what the boys are going through. So keep your mouth shut ok. im tired of people talking smak when they dont know anything!!
Posted by: sad in Tennessee Location: Tennessee on Dec 11, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Sorry, I failed to mention one thing, as for living in "Tennessee" and that my knowledge is only heresay, that is not important to me. The ONLY important thing is that my cousing is laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life, and my family is at his bedside praying for his recovery, and I was not even told of any events of the accident, and at this point don't really care because our family is focusing on the survival of Josh.
Posted by: sad in Tennessee Location: Tennessee on Dec 11, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Lyff, I didn't assume everyone on here was 18, I said "most", and there is a difference. And I also believe in freedome of speech. I also believe that in the end, God will be judge over all that happened. All I was trying to say was that people should be careful and think before they say things that they cannot take back. The families of the people in this tragedy are the ones that are getting impacted by the words people say, both negative and positive. And once words are spoken, they plant seeds that grow and grow. I meant no offense to anyone, just to be careful what you say...And ymaybe you are right, I need to quit reading these posts because in the end, all they do is cause people to hurt more.
Posted by: Travis Location: Plymouth on Dec 11, 2007 at 09:00 AM
I am friends with everyone that was involved in this incident and ii really think most of the comments on this site are really uncalled for. Eveeryone is hurting in this incident. Ryan was just at my house a few days before. It was really hard to swallow at first. Yes, they were probably speeding and playing around a little bit, but i know when you were all 19 20 years old, you were all at fault for speeding and negligent driving. Im sure that Ryan is paying the price. He has to live with that the rest of his life. He never wouldve wanted that to happen. He wouldve given his life for his friend and Doozy. As for Josh, i pray that he gets better. I pray for Doozys family. They lost someone real special and he has taken the ultimate ride home to heaven. I just think that everyone should pray for all the families involved in this accident. Im sure that noone was supposed to get hurt. It was just an accident people. Cant you see that?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: IN on Dec 11, 2007 at 01:51 AM
I REALLY HOPE THESE IDIOTIC BOYS GET CHARGED WITH SOME GOOD TIME AND SPEND HALF THEIR LIFE IF NOT ALL OF IT PRISON AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES JUST LIKE MR.HOFFERS FAMILY HAS TO SPEND AWAY FROM HIM....YEAH, HE MAY BE IN HEAVEN AND IN A BETTER PLACE THAN THIS CRAZY WORLD, BUT THEY ARE STUPID AND I HOPE THEY ARE HURTING BAD AND EVERYONE STICKING UP FOR THEM SHOULD FEEL STUPID TOO....I HOPE THEY ROT IN HELL...SORRY TO SAY BUT ANYONE THAT STUPID DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE OUT ON ANY STREETS
Posted by: Cash Location: Bourbon on Dec 11, 2007 at 01:13 AM
what if ryan was someone else you knew... if you got something negative to say dont say it all, because you tick people off... you obviously have no sympathy for anyone... yeah all the kids involved have been around the block a couple times but i believe this is going to be a huge wake up for everyone that knows ryan and josh and maybe this wreck opened some one's eyes that will make that decision to not put that pedal to the floor... or maybe everyone that caught wind of all this will have second thoughts about driving fast... i'll be the first to say that it has stopped me... just the other day someone tried me and i turned it down because it wasnt worth it... and on the day of the wreck i went to the hospital and on the way someone tried racing me and my buddy... and those kids thought they were so cool because we "chickened out"... whatever i know it wasnt worth it...
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:02 AM
One of my friends is a friend of one of the brothers of the boy who wasn't driving but was a passenger and luckily he was willing to tell me the truth of what happened. The boys were racing. Up a hill. They each had jettas and one of the jettas was newer than the other one so the wanted to see which was faster. They didn't see the truck until it was too late and now unfortunately someone has died. I don't know what should happen to the boys driving. I just hope that if everything turns out for them they don't end up laughing it off and thinking they can get away with racing again or anything else for that matter. One of the drivers has been in and out of jail several times but the police hasn't found anything to convict. The Lord knows our deepest secrets and what is in our hearts. Let him be the judge. Thank you for your time. May God Bless the families.
Posted by: Lyfff Location: Michiana on Dec 10, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Sad in Tennessee, You cannot assume everyone posting on here is over 18 years old. Furthermore, living 18 years does not qualify one to be an adult, just as sitting in a garage does not make one a car. I am over 40 years old, & still struggle at times being an adult. Expression of ones opinion, whether good or bad, is ones constitutional right. It is amazing how people shout "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" until it upsets their wagon! To judge those who are expressing their feelings in a time of grief is a true mark of immaturity on your part. DENIAL & ANGER are two steps in the grieving process. If what is being posted on this website upsets you, then do not look at it. From your location (Tennessee) your knowledge of the event is most likely only hearsay. The only one who definitively knows the truth of the event is God. Forensics will uncover the evidence, & submit it to the court. The boys who were in the lead car cannot be trusted for the truth, & most likely Ryan & Josh do not remember.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: IN on Dec 10, 2007 at 03:43 PM
TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT DONT NO THE TRUTH FROM LIES NEED TO KEEP THERE MOUTH SHUT. PLEASE WE NEED TO PRAY FOR ALL THE FAMILES THATS HAS BEEN HURT BYE THIS. EVERY ONE NEEDS TO SEND GOOD COMMENTS NOT BAD ONES. BECAUSE GOD FORGIVES YOU. AND DONT THINK MR HOFFER WOULD APPRECIATE THIS NONCENSE THATS GOING ON. IT IS VERY SAD THAT THIS IS GOING ON . SO PLEASE STOP. AND PRAY FOR ALL THE FAMILIES.
Posted by: Sad in Tennessee Location: Tennessee on Dec 10, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I really think that most of the people posting on here are adults over the age of 18. I cannot believe it and you should all be ashamed of yourselves. You are passing judgement on others, not really knowing their situations, and uncaring how cruel some of your words are and probably not caring. Just remember, you need to clean your own back door before trying to clean someone elses. I believe that this is a time for us to go on. There are so many families and friends that are hurting and praying, and there are people all over the world, from Florida all the way around, that are praying for the people whos lives this has turned up side down. I agree with Emily that you adults should be ashamed of yourselves. We all need to watch what we say, because you cannot take words back, no matter how much it hurts another person.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 10, 2007 at 10:18 AM
for al you people who think you kow you dont and just to let you know they are no spolied brat my brother bought that car himself cuz he wanted it my family could never buy something like that he worked for it. You dont even know!! all you people think he did this on purpose he didnt!! HE didnt mean to kill anyone all boys have fun at some time in there life his fun just got way out of control and he didnt realize it my praires go out to the hoffer family i am so sorry that this has happened and i pray for josh.
Posted by: Lyfff Location: Michiana on Dec 9, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Jon, Jon, Jon, (shaking my head in disbelief...) DANG boy, use spell check! You are the one showing EXTREME ignorance! If "your boys" are as educated and bright as you, no wonder they make the decisions that they do. Another observation, if you are going to use a quote from a website- be sure it is correct. The statement you made refers to the Volkswagen Golf 5 GTI from a European website. The car is the sports version of the Jetta, thus the extra crash protection. Guess computer research is not your strong point either.
Posted by: anonymous Location: nappanee on Dec 9, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Indeed, it's so awfully sad about the loss of mr. Keith Hoffer..Our prayers go out to his family. The "boys" are all spoiled lil' brats, that never have grown up yet, and parents are buying them expensive sports cars, and letting them do "whatever" they wish, as they are not working ... who is this blake? or is it blame? They will all have to live with this guilt, their days here. I've seen one of these boys drive, and you would have thought he was on a high speed mission, the way he pulled out of his driveway, one day this summer. A lesson learned,we all hope, anyways. and maybe the parents will grow up too..
Posted by: LEN CLEMONS Location: BOURBON on Dec 9, 2007 at 02:26 AM
I AM THE FATHER OF JOSH THE PASSENGER OF RED JETTA THE LATEST NEWS THEY ARE MOVING CAT-SCAN UP TO SUNDAY MORNING DO TO LESS PRESSURE ON BRAIN NOT MON OR TUE AS PLANNED EARLY THANKS FOR ALL PRAYS FROM FAMILY AND FRIEND
Posted by: Anonymous Location: knox,in on Dec 8, 2007 at 11:04 PM
i feel really sorry for the hoffer family our prays go out to them. i pray for my nefew josh i hope he recovers real soon. he's got a long road of recovery a head of him. to those who our bashing and making bad comments needs to stop . remember the victims the one that got killed and also josh that still is in the hosptial in really bad shape. we need to pray for josh and the hoffer family. this was one bad accident and i hope this never ever happens to anybody eles's family members. josh we love you we will keep praying for you
Posted by: Emily Location: Plymouth on Dec 8, 2007 at 01:49 PM
You all should be ashamed of yourselves. I have never witnessed so many "adults" act so immature in my life. There have been many people killed and hurt in accidents. A senior died from my school earlier this year in a car accident.He didn't see the Semi that was barreling towards him. Was it his fault? I dont think so.Just stop talking about it. It was an accident.Do all of you seriously think they did this on purpose? Do you think that these kids should be held responsible for this. You should really think about what you are saying. Try being in t