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

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Muncie Man Killed in Dearborn County Crash

State Road 350 was closed for over four hours for crash investigation and cleanup

Bridge Deck Project Scheduled in West Harrison

The short project will take place next week.

City of Harrison Selects New Police Chief

Current Chief Charles Lindsey is set to retire in early 2027

LHS' Roudebush Hits Career Milestone, Tigers Win Invite Title

The Tigers volleyball team is 15-4 this season.

Local Sports Report - September 21, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - September 18-19, 2026

Tons of high school sports action over the weekend.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Billy Currington - People Are Crazy

Sam Hunt Country House 2:26
Sugarland All I Want To Do 2:22
Cody Johnson and Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood I'm Gonna Love You 2:19
Kenny Rogers The Gambler 2:16