CROSS PLAINS, IN — The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a recreational vehicle crash that injured two Cross Plains residents around 8 pm Thursday.
Investigators say 74-year-old Dennis T. Ryker lost control of the vehicle in the woods a half-mile off County Road 1050 South near South Werner Road, ran over 23-year-old Emma Stuehrenberg, then struck a tree before coming to a stop.
Ryker was ejected from the vehicle, suffered a head injury, and was flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment.
Stuehrenberg was taken by ambulance to Norton Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison.
Authorities say alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
In addition to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Ripley County Emergency Medical Services, Indiana StatFlight, Indiana State Police, and an Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer responded to the crash.
