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October 31, 2012

ISP identifies man killed on I-265 ramp

Excessive speed, wet roadway cited as causes

By GARY POPP gary.popp@newsandtribune.com

FLOYD COUNTY — James M. Stallings, 34, of Middlebrook Road in Louisville, has been identified as the driver killed in a single-car accident on the Interstate 265 westbound ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 64 early Tuesday afternoon.

Indiana State Police reported that the 2007 Ford Taurus Stallings was driving left the roadway about 12:30 p.m. and traveled down a steep embankment before coming to a stop.

While a full accident reconstruction of the wreck scene was not possible, ISP Trooper Chris Tucker said, according to statements from witnesses, Stallings is believed to have been traveling in excess of 80 mph when he lost control of the vehicle.

Tucker said the posted speed limit on the roadway is 55 mph.

He said witnesses reported that Stallings was weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed as he was approaching the ramp.

The trooper said the wet roadway is another contributing factor to the accident.

Tucker said the vehicle’s driver-side tires left the left side of the roadway, at which time Stallings overcorrected, and the vehicle left the right side of the ramp and entered the embankment.

Stallings, the only occupant in the vehicle, was transported to University Hospital in Louisville by air ambulance where he was pronounced dead.

According to Floyd County court officials, Stallings was found guilty of a speeding infraction in June for an infraction he incurred in March.

The original infraction was entered by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office who cited Stallings for traveling 97 mph in a 55 mph zone on I-64.

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