Clemie B. Chapman, 48, tragically died in La Porte County construction zone crash, leaving community grieving her loss.
La Porte County, Indiana — The community is mourning the loss of Clemie B. Chapman, a 48‑year‑old resident who died in a tragic car accident on U.S. 20 near Michigan Street in the early morning hours of May 17, 2026.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Chapman was driving a 1995 Nissan sedan eastbound when her vehicle crossed the center line inside an active construction zone.
At approximately 12:46 a.m., her car struck the rear axle of a 2000 Kenworth semi‑tractor trailer traveling westbound.
The impact caused catastrophic damage, and Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:17 a.m. from blunt‑force trauma injuries.
The semi‑truck driver, identified as Pawel Glista, 30, of Joliet, Illinois, was not injured. Authorities confirmed that he cooperated fully with investigators.
The crash occurred in a section of U.S. 20 undergoing a $12 million Indiana Department of Transportation project, which has reduced traffic to one lane in each direction.
Lane shifts, barriers, and altered traffic patterns have been in place for several months.
Local residents have voiced concerns about the safety of the construction zone, particularly at night. Several drivers reported confusion over signage and lane changes.
Officials noted that construction zones are statistically more dangerous, with Indiana recording 38 fatal construction zone crashes in 2025, a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Investigators are reviewing whether road conditions, signage, or visibility may have contributed to Chapman’s accident.
Toxicology results for both drivers are pending, and Chapman’s vehicle will undergo a mechanical inspection. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active.
Born in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1977, Clemie Chapman dedicated much of her life to helping others.
She worked for more than a decade as a direct support professional at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities.
Colleagues described her as compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to her work.
Chapman was also known for her love of gardening and her devotion to the Chicago Cubs, often attending games with family and friends.
She participated in local community events and was remembered as someone who brought warmth and laughter wherever she went.
She is survived by her daughter Mariah, 27, her son Justin, 24, her mother Dorothy, 72, and sisters Tanya and Rachel. Her father, William Chapman, passed away in 2019.
In the days following her death, a roadside memorial appeared near the crash site. Sunflowers, handwritten notes, and a Cubs cap were placed along the shoulder of U.S. 20.
A candlelight vigil was scheduled for May 19 at Cummings Lodge Park, organized by her sisters. Attendees were asked to wear gold in honor of the Nissan she drove.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friends quickly raised more than $8,000 to cover funeral expenses and to establish a memorial bench at the group home where she worked.
Her funeral service is set for May 21, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home, followed by burial at Patton Cemetery.
Chapman’s death underscores the dangers of nighttime driving and construction zones. National statistics show that nearly half of all fatal crashes occur at night, despite fewer miles being traveled compared to daytime hours.
Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and altered traffic patterns contribute to the risks.
Officials urge drivers to exercise caution in construction zones, obey reduced speed limits, and remain alert to lane changes and signage.
While the circumstances of Clemie Chapman’s death are tragic, her family and community emphasize that she should be remembered for the life she lived.
Friends describe her as a woman who gave generously of her time and energy, who loved her family deeply, and who found joy in simple pleasures like gardening and baseball.
Her passing is a reminder of life’s fragility, but also of the enduring impact one person can have on a community.
As La Porte mourns, residents continue to honor her memory with tributes, gatherings, and shared stories that ensure her legacy will not be forgotten.
