Man dies in accident when trailer detaches from SUV

Katie Shands Updated: 8/23/2009 1:13:39 PM Posted: 8/23/2009 1:11:04 PM

An Indiana man was killed after an accident involving a camper Friday.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, Wade P. Shindlebower, Jr., 45, of Bellbrook, Ohio was pulling a camper behind his SUV. He was driving southbound on Interstate 75 near mile marker 145 in Campbell County.

When the vehicle reached a steep hill, the trailer began to sway out of control. It then separated from the SUV, causing the vehicle to flip. The SUV turned three times before stopping in the median.

Passenger Keith Smith, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana was transported to UT Medical Center where he passed away on Sunday.

According to the report, he wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Troopers said they believe safety restraints would have made a difference.

Two other passengers, Robert M. Grounds, 46, of Springboro, Ohio and Roy D. Deal, 46, of Edinburgh, Indiana were both injured. They were both wearing seatbelts.

Authorities said drugs and alcohol weren't a factor.