Last updated: September 1, 2026, Sources: By Indiana State Police as reported by 14 News
PIKE COUNTY, Indiana — A Saturday evening police pursuit in Pike County ended in a fatal head-on collision that killed three people, including 41-year-old Winslow mother Amanda Wertman and her 8-year-old daughter, Michaela.
The crash happened on August 29, 2026, on State Road 64 near County Road 1000 East. According to information released by Indiana State Police and reported by 14 News, the collision followed a pursuit involving a red Toyota Camry believed to be connected to a domestic violence incident.
Four children were traveling with Wertman in a Toyota Sienna. All four were taken to hospitals after the crash. Michaela later died at a Louisville, Kentucky, hospital, while the three other children remained hospitalized and were expected to recover, according to state police.
What happened in the Pike County crash?
Indiana State Police said a Pike County sheriff’s deputy was responding to a domestic violence call at the Country Junction gas station near the intersection of State Roads 61 and 64 at about 7:42 p.m. Saturday.
Police said a red Toyota Camry believed to be involved in the incident left the gas station and traveled east on State Road 64. Investigators said the vehicle ran another driver off the road and failed to stop at a flashing red light at the intersection.
According to state police, the Camry then crossed into the deputy’s lane and attempted to strike the patrol vehicle. The deputy avoided the collision, turned around and began pursuing the vehicle.
A short time later, police said the Camry crossed the centerline near County Road 900 East and struck the Toyota Sienna head-on.
Amanda Wertman and daughter Michaela were killed
Amanda Wertman, 41, of Winslow, was driving the Toyota Sienna when it was struck.
Wertman and the driver of the Camry were pronounced dead at the crash scene, according to Indiana State Police. The Camry driver’s identity had not been publicly released in the latest reports reviewed for this article.
Wertman’s 8-year-old daughter, Michaela, was among the children transported for medical treatment. She later died at a hospital in Louisville.
The deaths left the Wertman family and the surrounding Pike County community grieving as relatives and community members began offering support.
Children injured in the collision
Four children were inside the Sienna with Wertman.
Following the crash, all four children were transported to hospitals. State police later reported that three surviving children remained hospitalized and were expected to recover.
Among those injured was 8-year-old Oaklie Disney, whose condition drew support from her school and members of the local community.
Oaklie was reported to be receiving treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit. Her family said she suffered significant injuries and could remain hospitalized for some time.
Another child, Amelia Freeland, was identified by her family as a second grader at Winslow Elementary. Her mother told 14 News that Amelia was undergoing medical evaluation after the crash and was experiencing soreness and injuries associated with the collision.
Community rallies around injured children
The crash prompted an immediate response from schools and residents in the Pike County area.
At Otwell Miller Academy, students and teachers wore blue on Monday in support of Oaklie Disney. The school also organized cards for the 8-year-old while she remained hospitalized. Her mother described her injuries as significant and said her daughter could face a lengthy hospital stay.
Support also extended to other children and families affected by the crash. Local reporting has documented fundraising efforts intended to assist families with medical expenses and related costs.
The community response has become an important part of the story as families continue to deal with the consequences of the collision.
Police investigation continues
Indiana State Police said its Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading from the domestic violence call to the pursuit and subsequent crash. The identity of the Camry driver had not been released in the latest reports reviewed.
Because the investigation remains active, additional details may emerge regarding the pursuit, the vehicles involved and the events immediately preceding the collision.
A family and community left grieving
The Pike County crash has brought tragedy to several families.
Amanda Wertman was killed while driving with children in her Sienna. Her daughter Michaela later died from injuries sustained in the collision. Three other children survived and remain part of the continuing recovery effort.
For the families involved, the aftermath now includes hospitalization, grief and uncertainty. Schools and community members have responded with prayers, cards and other forms of support as the injured children continue their recovery.
This article will be updated as additional information is confirmed by Indiana State Police, the Pike County authorities and the families involved.