Minivan airborne in fatal wreck

A violent one-vehicle accident early Friday on the Marion-Harvey County line claimed the life of 49-year-old Marion resident Robert Wilson.

Wilson, who worked as a mechanic and handyman for Countryside Salvage near Walton, apparently lost control of his 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan while driving north on East Lake Rd., known in Marion County as Indigo Rd., a mile north of US-50.

For reasons investigators have not yet determined, his minivan left the roadway and went into the east ditch, continuing until it struck an embankment at NE 108th St., known as 70th Rd. in Marion County.

The minivan became airborne in Harvey County and landed across NE 108th St. in the east ditch of Indigo Rd. in Marion County, where it rolled several times before coming to rest on its top.

Marion and Harvey County were notified of the accident at 3:44 a.m. Both counties responded, but because the accident began in Harvey County, sheriff’s deputies from there were responsible for the investigation.

Reached Sunday, a sheriff’s sergeant in Newton did not how much time might have elapsed between when the accident occurred and when it was discovered and reported, apparently by a passing motorist who called 911.

Wilson was still in the vehicle when a Marion County sheriff’s deputy arrived nine minutes after the call and determined that the accident was a fatality.

Peabody ambulance arrived six minutes later along with the Marion County’s emergency medical services director.

Hillsboro ambulance, which also was called after only one EMT initially answered the call for Peabody ambulance, was turned back.

Services for Wilson, a 13-year-resident of Marion, will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Valley United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his mother, two sons, two daughters, and a brother, all of Marion.

Son Chevy was featured in a Record article a month ago for being the top reader in his class and having read more than one million words this past school year.

A complete obituary appears elsewhere in this week’s newspaper.

Contributions to assist with expenses are being accepted at Zeiner Funeral Home.