Driver dead after pickup overturned, submerged into water

SULLIVAN CO., Ind. (WTHI) - Update:   Sullivan Co. Coroner Jeff Griffith tells News 10 that autopsy results for Richard Enstrom is consistent with drowning.

Enstrom also tested over the legal limit for intoxication under Indiana law.

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Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputies received a 911 call regarding an overturned, partially submerged old pickup truck, near the intersection of Co. Rd. 75 N. and 150 E.

Indiana State Police Trooper Brent Robinson and Sullivan Police Officer Nick Hatfield initially responded at 1:29 a.m. and found a 1933 Ford pickup had left the roadway, went over an embankment and into a privately owned pond.

An initial investigation revealed that Richard Enstrom was driving eastbound on Co. Rd. 75 N. and failed to stop at Co. Rd. 150 E.

The pickup continued eastbound, struck a traffic control sign and then traveled down an embankment.

The truck then overturned onto its passenger side and came to a stop after being submerged in about three feet of water.

Trooper Robinson and Officer Hatfield worked quickly and climbed into the bed of the pickup and broke the rear window in order to come in contact with the unresponsive driver trapped underwater.

Indiana State Police Under Water Search and Rescue Diver Trooper Mike Tayler and Sullivan City Fireman Jarrod Pirtle responded to help remove the unresponsive Richard A. Enstrom Jr., 43, of Shelburn, IN.

The four were unsuccessful in their attempts at removing Enstrom from the wreck.

Enstrom was officially pronounced dead at the scene by the Sullivan County Deputy Coroner Rick Weaver.

Seat restraints were not in use, but not required for that year of vehicle.

An autopsy is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 17, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

The crash investigation was completed by ISP Trooper Brent Robinson. Assisting were multiple ISP troopers, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County EMS, Sullivan County Coroner’s Office, and Sullivan Police and Fire Departments.

News 10 will provide you with more information as it becomes available.