Valparaiso, IN — A tragic one-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning claimed the life of 42-year-old Justin Curtis, a Valparaiso resident remembered by many as a devoted father, loyal friend, and a steady presence in the local community.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Curtis died of blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at 6:47 a.m. following the accident. The crash occurred around 5:00 a.m. near the intersection of Cline Avenue and the Michigan Avenue exit in East Chicago, Indiana.
Authorities say Curtis lost control of his vehicle while attempting to take the exit ramp, striking an exit sign before slamming into a concrete pillar. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, along with its Crime Scene Investigation unit and the East Chicago Fire Department, responded to the scene. Sheriff Oscar Martinez confirmed that an investigation is still underway to determine the precise circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
A Sudden Loss Felt Deeply
News of Curtis’s death has rippled through Valparaiso and beyond, particularly among those who knew him personally. Friends, coworkers, and community members have taken to social media to express their shock and grief.
“He was the kind of guy who would pull over to help a stranger change a tire,” one longtime friend, Melissa Jennings, wrote in a Facebook tribute. “Justin had a good heart. This is a huge loss for everyone who knew him.”
Curtis, a Valparaiso native, worked as a site supervisor for a local construction firm and was known for mentoring younger workers on job sites. Neighbors say he was deeply involved in community initiatives and often volunteered for youth sports leagues, sometimes coaching when no one else stepped up.
“He loved being part of the community. If someone needed help — whether it was yard work, a ride, or a meal — Justin showed up,” said Michael Darrow, a former colleague and friend. “That’s just who he was.”
A Dangerous Stretch of Road
The Cline Avenue corridor, particularly the exits in East Chicago, has been the site of several crashes in recent years. Drivers familiar with the area describe the exits as sharp and easy to miss, especially during early morning hours or inclement weather.
Local transportation safety advocates say the crash that killed Curtis adds to a growing list of incidents that call for improved signage and better lighting along the route. According to Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) data, there have been over a dozen crashes near that exit ramp in the past 24 months.
“While we await the results of the investigation, it’s important to recognize that certain road designs continue to pose a safety threat,” said Monica Ruiz, a spokesperson for a regional traffic safety nonprofit. “We extend our condolences to Mr. Curtis’s family and also hope this tragedy prompts a renewed focus on infrastructure improvements.”
Looking Ahead
As authorities investigate, the community prepares to honor Justin Curtis’s life. A candlelight vigil is being organized at Rogers-Lakewood Park in Valparaiso for Saturday evening, where family and friends will gather to remember a man whose presence was as steady as it was humble.
“He wasn’t famous. He didn’t chase recognition,” said Curtis’s cousin, Amanda Brown. “But he made a difference. That’s the kind of legacy that matters.”
In the wake of his passing, Curtis is survived by two teenage children, a brother, and his mother. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help support funeral expenses and establish a trust fund for his children.
