Sullivan County, Indiana is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Bradley D. Galenski, age 59, of Sullivan, whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating head-on collision that occurred on US 41 near Old Highway 54. The fatal crash, which remains under active investigation by the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post, has left family, friends, and the wider community in shock and grief.
According to preliminary findings, the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. when a 1998 Ford Ranger, driven by Galenski, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US 41. Multiple 911 calls had already been received by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department reporting the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction, raising immediate concern among motorists on the roadway.
At the same time, a 2026 Freightliner driven by 71-year-old Clarence Mackey of Alapaha, Georgia, was traveling northbound in the correct lane of traffic. Upon noticing the oncoming vehicle traveling against traffic, Mackey attempted an evasive maneuver in a desperate effort to avoid a collision. Despite his actions, the impact was unavoidable.
The force of the collision was catastrophic. The Ford Ranger was struck and forced off the roadway, where it rolled onto its side before coming to a stop. Tragically, Galenski was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The Freightliner crossed the median following the impact and eventually came to rest in the southbound lanes of US 41.
Emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Bradley D. Galenski sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Deputy Coroner Mary Ann Dudley of the Sullivan County Coroner’s Office. Authorities confirmed that his family has been notified of his passing.
The Indiana State Police have stated that toxicology results are pending, and investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction. Accident reconstruction is currently being conducted by Troopers Rondell Shelton and Kyle Hall of the Putnamville Post in an effort to determine all contributing factors.
Assisting agencies at the scene included the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Farmersburg Police Department, Sullivan County Coroner’s Office, SCAT 1, and Curtis Wrecker Service, all of whom worked together under difficult and emotional conditions to secure the area and assist with the investigation.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Bradley Galenski are left to remember a life now gone too soon. While officials work to understand how this tragic incident unfolded, his passing serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road.
Bradley D. Galenski is now remembered not only as a victim of a tragic crash but as a son, family member, friend, and member of the Sullivan community whose absence will be deeply felt. His memory lives on in those who knew him, loved him, and now mourn his sudden loss.
May he rest in peace.
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