Kokomo, IN (September 9, 2026) – The Howard County Coroner’s Office confirmed Wednesday that a 47-year-old Indianapolis man died following a crash at a major Kokomo intersection.
The crash happened just after 7:45 p.m. on September 9, 2026, at U.S. 31 North and State Road 26, on the city’s south side.
The coroner’s office identified the victim as Joshua Randall Rhoads, 47, of Indianapolis. Rhoads died from multiple blunt force injuries. His death was ruled an accident, and his family has been notified.
The crash remains under investigation by the Kokomo Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Howard County Coroner’s Office.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Should Know After a Fatal Crash in Kokomo, Indiana
Can a family pursue a claim before the investigation is finished?
Yes. A wrongful death claim moves on a separate track from the police investigation. Waiting for a final report is not required to begin protecting the family’s rights.
What can a wrongful death claim cover?
Funeral and burial costs, lost future income and support, and the loss of a loved one’s care, guidance, and companionship.
What does an open investigation mean for the family?
Fault has not yet been determined publicly. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule (IC 34-51-2-6), so any statement about who caused the crash should come from the agencies investigating it, not assumed in advance.
What is the filing deadline?
Wrongful death claims in Indiana must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (IC 34-23-1-1). For this crash, that deadline is September 9, 2028.
Contact Our Indiana Car Accident Attorneys
Losing someone this suddenly leaves a family with grief and unanswered questions at the same time, and no one should have to sort through both alone.
Our Indiana car accident attorney team has represented families across the state after fatal crashes on Indiana highways and intersections, working to hold the responsible party accountable while the family focuses on each other.
Crash scene evidence and vehicle data are only available for a limited window, so it helps to preserve that record while the investigation is still active.
We handle these cases on contingency. There is nothing owed unless we recover for the family.
Why Indiana families trust Langer & Langer:
- Founded 1980, over 45 years serving Indiana families
- 100+ years of combined legal experience
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers
