Clemie B. Chapman La Porte, IN Obituary, 48 – -Year- old Killed in US 20 Construction Zone Crash Involving Semi Driver Pawel Glista of Joliet, IL

A tragic early-morning crash in La Porte County has claimed the life of 48-year-old Clemie B. Chapman of La Porte, leaving her family, friends, and community in mourning after a devastating collision on US 20 near Michigan Street.

According to a preliminary report from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 12:46 a.m. to a crash in a construction zone along the heavily traveled corridor connecting La Porte and Michigan City. Investigators say Chapman was driving a 1995 Nissan eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, her vehicle crossed the center line into westbound traffic.

Her car then struck the rear portion of a westbound semi-truck operated by a 30-year-old driver from Joliet, Illinois. The impact was severe, causing extensive damage to the smaller vehicle and shutting down US 20 for several hours as emergency crews worked the scene.

Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt-force injuries. Authorities confirmed that the semi-truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene, fully cooperating with investigators. He was tested as part of standard procedure, and officials have not indicated any wrongdoing on his part.

The crash occurred in an active construction zone where lane shifts, reduced speeds, and nighttime visibility conditions are being closely reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are examining multiple possible factors in Chapman’s lane departure, including driver fatigue, distraction, medical emergency, or mechanical issues.

Chapman is being remembered by loved ones as a compassionate and dedicated caregiver who spent more than a decade working with adults with developmental disabilities. Family members describe her as generous, kind-hearted, and deeply committed to helping others.

A memorial has already begun forming near the crash site, and a vigil is planned in her honor as the community comes together to support her family and reflect on her life. Funeral services are scheduled for later this week in La Porte.

The investigation remains ongoing, with officials awaiting toxicology results and continuing to review roadway conditions and vehicle evidence to determine what led to the fatal crash.