The Washington, Indiana, community is mourning the tragic loss of 28-year-old Israel Waggoner, who died following a devastating side-by-side rollover crash in Daviess County on the night of June 18, 2026. The heartbreaking accident has left family members, friends, and loved ones grieving as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
According to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a call at approximately 10:37 p.m. reporting a side-by-side rollover crash on County Road 450 South, west of County Road 50 West. The caller advised that one individual was trapped beneath the vehicle, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other assisting agencies.
The preliminary investigation determined that Miranda Knepp, 31, of Washington, Indiana, was operating a 2016 Polaris side-by-side traveling westbound on County Road 450 South. Israel Waggoner was riding in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash.
Investigators said Knepp reported swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle, causing her to lose control of the Polaris. The side-by-side rolled onto its passenger side, slid several yards, and came to rest off the south side of the roadway. Authorities reported that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and worked to assist those involved. Despite their efforts, Israel Waggoner sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has since been notified of her passing.
As part of the investigation, Miranda Knepp submitted to a chemical test that allegedly indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12. Following the investigation, she was lodged in the Daviess County Security Center on one count of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVWI) Causing Death. The charge is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors. Investigators are reviewing the evidence and working to establish the complete sequence of events that led to the fatal rollover.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Washington Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, Veale Township Volunteer Fire Department, Daviess County Ambulance Service, the Daviess County Coroner’s Office, and Tri County Wrecker Service.
The tragic death of Israel Waggoner has deeply affected the Washington community. As family members and friends mourn her loss, they remember the impact she made on those around her and the memories they shared throughout her life. Her passing serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of roadway safety, the use of seat belts, and the devastating consequences that can result from serious traffic accidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and additional information may be released as the case progresses.
