Ashlea Albertson Indianapolis, IN racer died, fiancé Jake Kelly critically injured in I-65 car accident

Ashlea Albertson Death – Heat & Frost Insulators Local 18 Indianapolis worker and Franklin Central High School graduate has passed away in a tragic accident. 24-year-old Ashlea Albertson died in a car accident that left her fiancé in critical condition. The deadly crash happened on Interstate 65 while the love birds were on their way back from Gulf Shores, according to her parents. Law enforcement agencies say Jacob lost control of the car and crashed, Ashlea was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

24-year-old Ashlea Albertson was engaged to Jake Kelly and the two were set to tie the knot in 2024, March. According to law enforcement agencies, police were called to the scene of a fatal crash in Jackson County on Friday, August 18, 2023. The Circle City Raceway is mourning the tragic death of their beloved teammate and member.

“We are devastated to share the news that our 24-year-old daughter, Ashlea, passed away today from injuries sustained in a car accident. She and her fiance Jake were coming home from Gulf Shores when it occurred on i-65, they were both ejected and she was a lifeline to U of Louisville. She did not have a pulse upon arrival but emergency services were administered to no avail. Jake was also transported via helicopter and has cuts and bruises. We are completely devastated and it feels like a dream. Ash and Jake were to be married on March 23. We are so grateful to still have Jake. We thank everyone who knew and loved Ashlea and made an impact on her life. Please share stories and memories. I will post updates and arrangements when we know,” Ashlea’s family wrote…

The Accident Details

August 18, 2023, at approximately 11:30 am, Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on I-65 Northbound, just south of Seymour in Jackson County. The initial investigation indicated that a black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, being driven by Austin Cooper, age 22, Austin, Indiana was traveling northbound in the right lane of I-65 near the 48-mile marker.

A white 2018 GMC Terrain, being driven by Jacob Kelly, age 31, Indianapolis, Indiana was traveling northbound in the left lane of I-65 at the same location. Evidence from the scene, including video footage captured by another vehicle, indicated that the two drivers began accelerating rapidly and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass.
Cooper’s vehicle then began to change lanes into the path of Kelly’s vehicle.

Jacob Kelly lost control of his vehicle and spun, which resulted in the two vehicles colliding in the middle of the northbound lanes. Kelly’s vehicle rolled, which resulted in a female passenger, Ashlea Albertson, age 24, from Greenfield, Indiana being ejected from the vehicle. Cooper’s vehicle left the east side of the roadway and came to rest in a field.

Kelly and Albertson were both flown from the scene to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. After arriving at the hospital, Albertson was pronounced deceased. Kelly was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Cooper and a juvenile passenger were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana where they were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Both driverCity Raceways in the crash submitted to blood tests. Toxicology results are pending at this time. The investigation remains ongoing by Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post and the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. After the investigation, the case will be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review for possible charges. Ashlea Albertson’s family has been notified.

The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately three hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour Police Department, Seymour Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Howard’s Wrecker Service, and 31 Wrecker Service.

Ashlea Albertson Obituary and Funeral Arrangements will be Released by the Family

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