Tippecanoe County, Indiana – The community is reeling from the heartbreaking news that three people lost their lives in separate traffic crashes in Tippecanoe County. Among the victims was Rosana Fortune, whose untimely death has left family, friends, and residents in deep sorrow.
The Tippecanoe County Coroner confirmed that Rosana, a 29-year-old Indianapolis resident, was killed in a two-vehicle collision on the evening of January 21, 2026. The crash occurred on Interstate 65 near Lafayette, where Rosana’s vehicle collided with another car. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
In addition to Rosana, two other victims were identified as James Parker, 42, and Melissa Cole, 34, who died in separate crashes on January 19 and January 20, respectively. The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding each of the incidents, though initial reports suggest that weather conditions and poor visibility may have played a role in at least one of the accidents.
Rosana Fortune’s family has expressed their profound grief, describing her as a loving mother, devoted sister, and a kind-hearted individual who always put others first. Her unexpected passing has left an irreplaceable hole in the hearts of all who knew her.
