Richard Louzon Plymouth, IN Death and Obituary – A tragic collision near Plymouth, Indiana, claimed the life of 77-year-old Richard Louzon on the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Queen Road, when a semi-tractor trailer reportedly failed to stop at a red light and struck Louzon’s pickup truck.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred around 8:41 a.m., west of Plymouth. Louzon was driving a 2018 Chevrolet pickup truck southbound on Queen Road when a semi-truck traveling west on U.S. 30, driven by 61-year-old Nicolae Pavel, collided with his vehicle in the intersection. Witnesses told investigators that Pavel ran a red light, leading to the devastating impact that left Louzon’s truck heavily damaged.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, including deputies from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and crews from Plymouth Fire and EMS. Due to the severity of the crash, both Louzon and his passenger, 20-year-old Katelynn Pekofske of Walkerton, were airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for emergency treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Richard Louzon succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Authorities confirmed his death later that day. Pekofske sustained significant injuries and remains hospitalized, though her current condition has not been publicly released.
Investigators said that Pavel, the truck driver, was not reported injured in the crash. He remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officers during their preliminary investigation.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Officers are examining whether driver inattention, fatigue, or mechanical issues played a role in Pavel’s failure to stop at the light.
Traffic along U.S. 30 was shut down for several hours on Tuesday morning as crews worked to clear the wreckage and document evidence from the crash scene. Authorities urged motorists to use alternate routes during the cleanup and reminded drivers to remain alert at intersections, especially when approaching traffic signals.
The Plymouth community has expressed sorrow following Louzon’s tragic passing. Friends and family described him as a kind and hardworking individual who loved spending time outdoors and valued his family deeply. Many locals have taken to social media to share condolences and prayers for both Louzon’s family and for the recovery of Katelynn Pekofske.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of driving attentively and obeying all traffic signals, especially for operators of large commercial vehicles, which pose significant risks when involved in high-speed collisions.
As of Tuesday evening, no criminal charges had been announced, though investigators confirmed that the case remains under active review pending results from accident reconstruction reports.