3 killed, including infant, in wrong-way crash on I-65 near Seymour; investigators await toxicology

A wrong-way crash on Interstate 65 near Seymour left three people dead, including an infant, according to investigators cited by WAVE. The crash occurred on Aug. 23, 2026, and response crews transported victims to area hospitals, where they later died.

The driver was identified by investigators as Middlebrooks. Investigators told WAVE they believe Middlebrooks likely consumed alcohol before the crash, but they said they are still awaiting toxicology results to confirm impairment and determine contributing factors.

Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous incidents on multi-lane interstates, and investigators said their review is ongoing as they collect physical evidence from the crash scene and coordinate medical and toxicology findings. Until lab results are returned, officials said they cannot rule out other factors that may have contributed to the collision.

The deaths include a baby described in reporting as an infant, underscoring the high stakes for families in the immediate community. Investigators have not detailed the victims’ identities or ages beyond that they included an infant, and WAVE did not report additional information on whether any other passengers survived.

Officials said the inquiry will continue as toxicology results are received. In many cases, law enforcement uses those results to determine whether alcohol or other substances were present at the time of the crash and whether impairment played a role, even when early scene indicators point in that direction.

As the investigation proceeds, investigators are expected to finalize crash documentation and determine whether additional charges are warranted based on confirmed toxicology and other evidence. Families and the public will have to wait for those findings before the full circumstances of the collision are established in official records.

The crash also raises renewed attention on public safety measures on interstates, including situational awareness for drivers and barriers or other design choices intended to reduce the risk of wrong-way entries. Until officials publish additional findings, the investigation remains focused on confirming the cause and contributing factors through toxicology and scene reconstruction.