ADAMS COUNTY, Ind. – A tragic accident on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, claimed the lives of 16-year-old Dallas M. Raugh and his mother, 41-year-old Thera J. Raugh, leaving the Adams County community in mourning.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas was driving a 2024 Hyundai Sonata southbound on U.S. Highway 27 around 8:30 a.m., with Thera in the passenger seat. Preliminary reports indicate the teen may have disregarded a traffic signal before the vehicle collided with a 2003 Freightliner semi driven by 42-year-old Jeremy M. Klenke. The Hyundai struck the semi broadside and became lodged beneath the truck.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but tragically, both Dallas and Thera were pronounced dead at the scene. Klenke was not injured and complied with a blood draw, as mandated by Indiana law. Authorities do not believe impairment was a factor.
Investigators are considering failure to obey a traffic signal, driving too fast for the weather conditions, and reduced visibility due to fog as potential contributors to the crash.
The accident prompted a coordinated response involving the Adams County Coroner’s Office, Adams County EMS, Monroe Fire Department, Decatur Police Department, Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division, and other local agencies.
Dallas was a young man full of promise, and Thera, a devoted mother, was his constant support and guiding light. Their passing is a devastating loss to all who knew and loved them.
As the investigation continues, the community rallies around the Raugh family, offering prayers, comfort, and support during this unimaginable time.
May Dallas and Thera rest in peace.
Their memory will live on in the hearts of all they touched.
