82-Year-Old Fortville Man Missing After Truck Swept Off Road in Floodwaters

Indiana conservation officers search for man after vehicle incident near Shoals, Indiana

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An 82-year-old man from Fortville, Indiana is missing after his truck was swept off the road by floodwaters in southern Indiana on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Spout Springs Road just south of Shoals, Indiana, about 100 miles southwest of Indianapolis. The passenger in the truck was rescued after climbing out of a window and holding onto a nearby tree vine, but the driver has not been found.

Why it matters

Severe weather and flooding events are becoming more common in parts of the Midwest, leading to dangerous situations for drivers and the need for rescue operations. This incident highlights the risks of driving in flooded areas and the importance of heeding weather warnings, especially for elderly residents who may have more difficulty escaping dangerous conditions.

The details

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the 911 call came in shortly after 2:30 p.m. on March 9 reporting that a truck had been swept off Spout Springs Road, which is near the White River and prone to flooding. Members of the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department and the Martin County Sheriff's Department launched a boat and were able to rescue the passenger, but the driver, an 82-year-old man from Fortville, remains missing.

  • The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that oversees natural resources and conservation efforts in Indiana.

Shoals Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the 911 call and launched a boat to rescue the passenger.

Martin County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted in the rescue efforts.

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What’s next

Indiana conservation officers continue to search the area for the missing 82-year-old driver.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of driving in flooded areas, especially for elderly residents who may have more difficulty escaping dangerous conditions. It highlights the importance of heeding weather warnings and the need for improved infrastructure and rescue capabilities in flood-prone regions.