Fatal Accident Investigation

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office responded to US 27 North and Whitewater Road on a report of a bicyclist being struck by a passenger vehicle. It was reported the bicyclist had sustained serious injuries during the crash. Upon deputies arrival it was learned Dean Dunaway, age 56, of Fountain City, Indiana, was riding a bicycle south bound on US 27 along the southbound shoulder when he collided with a maroon Chevrolet Avalanche, which was also south bound on US 27 just south of Whitewater Road.

The preliminary investigation indicated Mr. Dunaway had, for an unknown reason, turned into the path of the Avalanche as the Avalanche was passing by Mr. Dunaway. He collided with the southbound vehicle. Mr. Dunaway was transported to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH by Care Flight air ambulance. The driver of the Avalanche was not injured, however, was taken to Reid Hospital for a routine toxicology screen, as per state statute. US 27 was closed during the investigation of the crash. US 27 was reopened for traffic at 4:25 pm.

Sadly, Mr. Dunaway succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at about 4:31pm by doctors at Miami Valley Hospital.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing. Additional information may be available in the coming days.

Special thanks to Wayne County Emergency Communications, Reid Health Medics, Fountain City Fire Department and Care Flight air ambulance for their assistance during this tragic incident.