Semi Trailer Swung Wide, Causing Fatal Crash

A Cincinnati man has been identified as the victim of Wednesday's crash between New Trenton and Cedar Grove.

Photo by Indiana State Police

(New Trenton, Ind.) – A Cincinnati resident was the victim of a fatal collision between a semi truck and a van in Franklin County.

Indiana State Police say Jerry Esslinger, 54, of Hartford City, Indiana, was driving a 2012 International semi hauling an empty trailer eastbound on U.S. 52 near Elkhorn Road at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

As Esslinger rounded a curve, the trailer swung wide into the path of a westbound 1999 Chevrolet van driven by Gerard P. Hendy, 73, of Cincinnati. The trailer struck the front of the van.

Hendy was pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

State police say Esslinger was not injured.

The investigation is ongoing, but troopers say alcohol is not suspected to be a factor.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Franklin County EMS, Cedar Grove Fire Department, New Trenton Fire Department, and Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

The crash closed U.S. 52 between New Trenton and Cedar Grove for nearly seven hours Wednesday.

RELATED STORIES:

Person Killed In US 52 Crash

More from Local News


Events

Juvenile Fight Ring Promoters Charged

Investigators say a juvenile fight ring has been occurring in the Sunman area.

Lawrenceburg Schools to Host Veterans Day Parade

The parade will go through downtown Lawrenceburg on Tuesday, November 11.

EC's Bentley Caps Off Incredible Career, Batesville's Wade Shines in First Season

The IHSAA Cross Country State Finals took place on Saturday.

Local Sports Report - October 31-Nov. 1, 2025

Football sectional semifinals and the IHSAA Cross Country State Finals.

Rising Sun Cheer Wins First State Championship in School History

They will compete for another state title on November 8.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Lee Brice - Killed The Man

Jason Aldean Crazy Town 12:29
Cole Swindell Ain't Worth The Whiskey 12:26
Clay Walker Then What 12:23
Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton A Song to Sing 12:20