The car barely showed any damage. CPR was started immediately. A medical helicopter was called. But it was too late — and investigators say the real emergency may have started before the crash ever happened.
A 73-year-old Upland man died Monday morning after his vehicle struck a utility pole in Grant County, Indiana — but authorities believe he may have suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel before the collision even occurred.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene near 11120 South and 1100 East at approximately 10:38 a.m. on May 4, 2026, after reports of a vehicle down.
When first responders arrived, they found the driver — identified as John M. Walters, 73, of Upland — completely unresponsive. CPR was started right away. A medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene.
Investigators noted the 2015 Chevrolet showed minimal damage and no impact to the passenger compartment — raising the possibility that a medical event, not the crash itself, caused his death.
Despite prolonged CPR efforts while waiting for the helicopter, Walters could not be saved. He was pronounced dead at 11:38 a.m. — exactly one hour after the crash was first reported.
He was the only person in the vehicle. Next of kin has been notified.
The Grant County Coroner’s Office is continuing its death investigation. Indiana State Police, local fire departments, and EMS crews all assisted at the scene.
