BOONE COUNTY — An Avon man involved in a deadly crash in Boone County over the weekend told investigators he was having problems with his brakes prior to the crash.
According to a report from the Boone County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called at 12:10 p.m. Saturday to a two-vehicle crash at County Road 200 South and County Road 500 West.
Deputies said a Dodge Dakota driven by a 23-year-old man from Avon was traveling south on County Road 500 West. The man told deputies he was having mechanical issues with the braking system and he was unable to stop at the intersection with County Road 200 South. The Dakota crashed into the passenger side of a Dodge Grand Caravan.
According to deputies, Laura Merilan, 42, was in the front passenger seat at the time of the collision. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the minivan, Lansa Merilan, 46, of Lebanon, and his two juvenile children, a 14-year-old girl and 9-month-old girl, were taken to Riley Hospital for Children with non-life-threatening injuries, the sheriff's office said.
The man was the only occupant of the Dakota and was not injured, deputies said.
The Fatal Alcohol Crash Team responded to investigate the crash. Chemical tests of both drivers are pending, however, deputies said it does not appear drugs or alcohol were a cause for the crash.
