Update: Former councilman dies

North Webster - Former Tippecanoe County Councilman Ron Fruitt, 72, was killed in a single vehicle accident on the afternoon of March 19 near North Webster in Kosciusko County. His wife was also in the care when the accident took place. 

Sheriff's Sergeant Chad Hill said Fruitt's 2003 Cadillac Deville went left of center on State Road 13 near the intersection of South Barbee Drive and rolled three times. 

Fruitt was ejected from the car. 

Hill said witnesses reported that Fruitt was northbound on State Road 13 when his car went off the west side of the road for an unknown reason.

Fruitt was a West Lafayette resident.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Hill said the Kosciusko County F.A.C.T. (Fatal Alcohol Crash Team) is investigating the wreck, along with the Sheriff's Department, Warsaw and North Webster Police Departments, Indiana State Police, and the NOrth Webster E.M.S.  However, Hill said "Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash."

It was originally reported that Ron Fruitt was the only occupant, but late March 19 police said Fruitt's wife, Phyllis, was also in the vehicle. She was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. The hospital has not yet returned calls asking after her condition.

Fruitt was vice president of Housing and Food Service at Purdue University before retiring.  He was a member of the Tippecanoe County Council for two terms, serving on the council from 1998 to 2006.  He served as chair of the Tippecanoe County Republican Party from 2003 to 2005.