BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHR) — A semi driver involved in a deadly crash on I-65 in Boone County Sunday has been charged.
Matthew Lewis Small, 34, is facing three counts of reckless homicide.
The crash claimed the lives of 21-year-old Mariah Tomey, 19-year-old Kaylee Kirk and 1-year-old Hadley Tomey.
Lebanon Community School Corporation has counselors available for students at the high school and released a statement reading in part:
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Kirk and Tomey families, as well as to all members of our community who have been impacted by this tragedy." - Jen Todderud, Director of Communications
Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen told Eyewitness News that Small cooperated on the scene and so far their investigation doesn't show he was impaired at all. They are awaiting blood test results.
Small did tell them that he was using a headset to talk to his wife and was setting down his coffee after taking a sip when he saw traffic had stopped. He had been traveling from West Virginia to Minnesota and carrying a trailer with 75,000 pounds of paper. Small said he realized he would not be able to stop in time and needed to get to the shoulder. The next thing he remembers is someone banging on his window, asking for his fire extinguisher and telling him to get out of the truck.
While being charged on Tuesday, Small said he imagines he has lost his job over this. He asked for a public defender to represent him.
Small's bond was set at $10,000 and his trial is April 21. If he is found guilty, he face one to six years for each of the reckless homicide charges.
“First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with the Tomey and Kirk families as they cope with this tragedy," Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood said. "From a legal standpoint, this matter is still under investigation and we will be working closely with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the other responding agencies to ensure that a thorough investigation is completed."
The Boone County Sheriff is continuing to investigate the crash and said it could take up to six months to complete.
The semi's "black box" survived the crash and is expected to reveal the truck’s speed, whether it was accelerating or slowing, if the brakes were ever applied and other critical clues.