On the early morning of Thursday, April 3, 2025, a tragic two-vehicle crash occurred in Kankakee Township, leaving a La Porte man dead. The incident took place at 4:31 a.m. at the intersection of US Highway 20 and CR 300 East. Deputies and first responders rushed to the scene, where one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames, making it a dire and challenging rescue effort.
The crash involved a 2016 Kia, driven by Cary C. Canary, a 44-year-old resident of La Porte, and a 2016 Freightliner, operated by Roman Nichols, a 39-year-old man from Fremont, Indiana. According to the initial investigation conducted by Deputy Shayne Landry and other emergency personnel, the crash occurred when Canary’s Kia failed to stop at a posted stop sign while traveling southbound on CR 300 East. The Kia then entered the path of Nichols’s westbound Freightliner on US Highway 20. Nichols, unable to avoid the collision, struck the Kia, causing significant damage.
When deputies and a bystander arrived on the scene, they attempted to rescue the entrapped driver, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Cary C. Canary was declared dead at the scene by emergency responders. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, further complicating rescue efforts. Despite their best efforts, first responders were unable to extricate Canary before his tragic death.
Toxicology test results are pending to determine whether alcohol, drugs, or other substances contributed to the crash. At this stage, no further details have been released to the public.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. A number of emergency responders and agencies assisted in the response, including Sgt. Gabe Struss, Deputies Marvin McCoy, Micah Dokmanovic, Pablo Pesa, and Michael Sweet. Also on the scene were Detective Sgt. James Lear and Detective Jake Koch from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department, La Porte County EMS, Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department, the La Porte County Coroner’s Office, and INDOT.
The collision highlights the dangerous intersection of CR 300 East and US Highway 20, where stop sign compliance and proper driver attention are crucial for preventing accidents. While the investigation continues, this tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving and the significant consequences of not adhering to traffic signs.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities continue to offer their condolences to the family and friends of Cary C. Canary, who will be remembered by his loved ones in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. Further updates on the investigation and details surrounding the crash will be provided as they become available.
