Portland man dies in a rural Blackford accident

A Portland man died Sunday after an accident in Blackford County.

Ryan N. Hodson, 36, was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived on the scene of the accident.

According to a Blackford County Sheriff’s Office press release, Hodson was driving his John Deere Gator utility task vehicle (UTV) near the intersection of Blackford County roads 500 North and 500 East, South of Montpelier when it struck a utility pole.

Another 36-year-old passenger on the UTV was treated for minor injuries at the scene but did not require immediate medical attention. The sheriff’s office did not identify the passenger.

An autopsy at IU Health Ball Memorial in Muncie indicated Hodson died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries, according to The Star Press.

The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office and Blackford County Coroner’s Office.

Those two offices were assisted at the scene by Montpelier police and fire departments, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Montpelier and Wells County emergency medical services.