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GOSHEN & ELKHART, IN — Communities Grieve the Heartbreaking Loss of Joseph Higgins Jr. in Tragic Vehicle Crash

June 23, 2025 — The tight-knit communities of Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, are reeling from the devastating news of the sudden and tragic death of Joseph Higgins Jr., whose life was heartbreakingly cut short in a motor vehicle crash on the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025.

The fatal crash occurred under circumstances that are still being investigated by local law enforcement, but early reports indicate that the accident involved multiple vehicles and occurred at high speed. Joseph, known by friends and loved ones as a bright, kind-hearted, and deeply loyal young man, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The loss has sent shockwaves through the communities of Goshen and Elkhart, where Joseph was deeply known and loved. He was more than a name—he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a neighbor. His presence was felt in every room he entered, his laughter easily recognized, and his generosity a defining part of who he was.

A Life Remembered

Joseph Higgins Jr., only in his early twenties, was a proud graduate of Goshen High School, where he played sports and was involved in several student activities. After graduation, he worked locally, known for his reliability and work ethic, but it was his kind soul and willingness to help others that defined his legacy. Friends recall him being the first to show up when someone needed a hand and the last to leave, always making sure others were taken care of before himself.

“He had this way of making you feel like you mattered,” said one close friend. “Even if he barely knew you, he would go out of his way to show you kindness.”

Joseph’s faith, family values, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on those around him. His sudden death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.

Community in Mourning

Vigils are already being planned in both Goshen and Elkhart, with friends, family, and community members coming together to celebrate Joseph’s life and support one another in grief. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Pringle Park in Goshen, where attendees are encouraged to bring flowers, photos, and shared memories.

Local churches have opened their doors for prayer and counseling services, and several businesses have placed memorial displays or lowered flags to half-staff in honor of Joseph’s memory.

A spokesperson for the Higgins family released a brief statement:

“We are devastated beyond words. Joseph was everything to us—his smile, his heart, his spirit. We thank everyone for the love and support during this unbearable time. Please keep our family in your prayers.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet released full details about the circumstances of the crash. Investigators are working to determine what caused the collision and whether any other parties were involved or injured. Toxicology reports and witness statements are still being collected.

Local police have asked that anyone with dashcam footage or information related to the crash reach out to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department at [Insert Contact Number].

Final Arrangements

Funeral and memorial service details for Joseph Higgins Jr. will be announced in the coming days. Family and close friends are in the process of organizing a celebration of life to honor the young man whose memory will never fade.

In the meantime, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the Higgins family with funeral expenses and to provide support during this difficult time. Contributions have already begun pouring in, a testament to the impact Joseph had on the lives of so many.

BREAKING: Multi-Injury Traffic Collision on 20th Street West and Avenue O-8

Location: Intersection of 20th Street West and Avenue O-8, [City or County if known]
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time if known]
Status: Under Investigation

Authorities responded to a two-vehicle traffic collision earlier today at the intersection of 20th Street West and Avenue O-8, where multiple individuals—including minor children—suffered injuries.

Preliminary Details

According to witnesses and emergency personnel on scene, the collision involved one vehicle that turned left and rolled over, coming to rest upright. The second vehicle involved reportedly did not have its headlights on at the time of the crash, though it remains unclear whether this contributed to the accident.

The exact cause of the rollover and the sequence of impact are still being investigated. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

Injuries Reported

Multiple people were injured in the crash, including minor children. Emergency medical responders treated several individuals at the scene, and at least some were transported to nearby hospitals. The extent of the injuries has not been publicly released, but authorities have not confirmed any fatalities at this time.

Traffic Advisory

Motorists are advised to avoid the area while the scene is cleared and investigators work to reconstruct the collision. Delays may persist for several hours.

Ongoing Investigation

No further information has been made available regarding the identities of the individuals involved, whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, or if any citations or arrests have been made. Authorities will continue to gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle data to determine what led to the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

Location: Intersection of 20th Street West and Avenue O-8, [City or County if known]
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time if known]
Status: Under Investigation

Authorities responded to a two-vehicle traffic collision earlier today at the intersection of 20th Street West and Avenue O-8, where multiple individuals—including minor children—suffered injuries.

Preliminary Details

According to witnesses and emergency personnel on scene, the collision involved one vehicle that turned left and rolled over, coming to rest upright. The second vehicle involved reportedly did not have its headlights on at the time of the crash, though it remains unclear whether this contributed to the accident.

The exact cause of the rollover and the sequence of impact are still being investigated. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

Injuries Reported

Multiple people were injured in the crash, including minor children. Emergency medical responders treated several individuals at the scene, and at least some were transported to nearby hospitals. The extent of the injuries has not been publicly released, but authorities have not confirmed any fatalities at this time.

Traffic Advisory

Motorists are advised to avoid the area while the scene is cleared and investigators work to reconstruct the collision. Delays may persist for several hours.

Ongoing Investigation

No further information has been made available regarding the identities of the individuals involved, whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, or if any citations or arrests have been made. Authorities will continue to gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle data to determine what led to the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

UPDATE: Deadly Church Shooting Linked to Double Homicide and Standoff

Authorities have released chilling new details about the gunman involved in the Sunday morning shooting at CrossPointe Community Church on the 36000 block of Glenwood Road in Wayne County, Michigan. The investigation has now expanded into a multi-scene tragedy involving a double homicide and a fatal police standoff, with victims including the suspect’s own parents.

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Timeline of Events

Sunday, 11:06 a.m. – Active Shooter at Church

911 calls began flooding in at approximately 11:06 a.m. as terrified congregants reported gunfire at CrossPointe Community Church. According to Chief Ryan Strong, the suspect—a 31-year-old White male from Romulus, Michigan—was seen driving recklessly before arriving at the church in tactical gear.

“The suspect exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, armed with a long gun and handgun,” Strong stated. He immediately opened fire outside the church, sending worshippers scrambling for cover. Authorities were on the scene quickly and managed to secure the area. No fatalities were reported at the church, though several people were injured during the chaos.

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New Developments: Suspect Linked to Parental Homicides

Following the church shooting, a coordinated investigation led authorities to a shocking discovery. Officials confirmed late Sunday that the gunman was involved in a double homicide involving his own parents.

Police conducted a welfare check at the suspect’s Romulus home, where they discovered the body of his mother, deceased from what investigators described as “obvious signs of violence.”

Shortly after, authorities located the suspect and his father at a second scene roughly 90 miles away from the church. The incident escalated into a standoff with police. During the confrontation, the suspect was shot and killed. His father was also found dead at the scene, though officials have not yet disclosed whether he was killed by the suspect or during the standoff.

Incident Report: Shooting at CrossPointe Community Church

Date: Sunday, [Insert Date]
Location: CrossPointe Community Church, 36000 block of Glenwood Road, Wayne County, Michigan
Time of Incident: Approximately 11:06 a.m.
Lead Law Enforcement Official: Chief Ryan Strong, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office

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A tragic and chaotic scene unfolded late Sunday morning at CrossPointe Community Church in the 36000 block of Glenwood Road, when emergency services began receiving a flurry of 911 calls reporting an active shooter on the premises. The first calls came in at approximately 11:06 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement and emergency medical services.

According to Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Chief Ryan Strong, the suspect—later identified as a 31-year-old White male from Romulus, Michigan—was seen driving erratically before he pulled into the church parking lot. Witnesses described his vehicle speeding and weaving, drawing attention even before he exited.

“The suspect exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, armed with a long gun and handgun,” Chief Strong confirmed during a press briefing. “Without hesitation, he opened fire as he approached the building.”

Initial reports suggest that the gunman began discharging one of his firearms toward the church entrance and vehicles in the parking lot. Congregants inside the church, many of whom were attending a regular Sunday service, were thrown into panic as gunshots rang out. Several people sought shelter inside the sanctuary while others fled out of alternate exits.

Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the scene, with backup units arriving within minutes of the first reports. A perimeter was quickly established, and authorities began a methodical sweep of the church grounds to secure the area and locate the suspect.

According to officials, the suspect was subdued and taken into custody without further injury. His name has not been publicly released pending formal charges, but investigators have confirmed that he is from Romulus and does not appear to have had a personal connection to the church or any of its members.

“The situation could have been much worse,” Chief Strong said. “We’re extremely grateful for the quick action taken by both our officers and the church’s staff, who followed emergency protocols and likely prevented more serious casualties.”

While the full motive for the attack remains under investigation, authorities are examining the suspect’s background, mental health history, and digital footprint. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, have also been brought in to assist with the investigation, given the presence of tactical gear and multiple firearms.

Several individuals suffered minor injuries during the incident, mostly due to the chaos and attempts to flee, though thankfully no fatalities have been reported at this time. Paramedics treated victims on-site, and a few were transported to local hospitals as a precaution.

CrossPointe Community Church issued a brief statement on social media Sunday evening:

“We are heartbroken but thankful for God’s protection during this terrifying event. We ask for continued prayers for healing and peace for our community.”

The church has canceled all remaining services and events for the week as authorities continue their investigation. Community members are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department with any information or video footage that could aid in understanding what led to this violent act.

Chief Strong emphasized the importance of community vigilance and preparedness, noting that while incidents like this are tragic, public awareness and rapid response can save lives.

Breaking: Suspect Identified in Michigan Church Shooting

Incident Overview

• When: Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, around 11:06 a.m.

• Where: Outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, MI—during a service with approximately 150 worshippers in attendance. chron.com+14apnews.com+14nypost.com+14

• What Happened:

  • A 31-year-old white male suspect exited his vehicle wearing camouflage and a tactical vest, carrying a rifle and a handgun. apnews.com

  • He opened fire near the entrance, wounding a security guard in the leg—fortunately a non-life-threatening injury.

  • A church deacon then used his truck to run over the armed suspect, slowing him down. reddit.com+6apnews.com+6people.com+6

  • This allowed church security staff to neutralize the threat—firing and fatally wounding the attacker. theguardian.com+2apnews.com+2people.com+2

Crown Point, IN – Incident Summary

WHAT HAPPENED

• On Sunday morning at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne (near Romulus), Michigan, a 31-year-old man opened fire while approaching the church service. He was wearing a tactical vest and carrying a rifle and a handgun. cnn.com+8apnews.com+8nypost.com+8

• He shot one person in the leg; fortunately, the injury was non-life-threatening. apnews.com+1nypost.com+1

• As the shooting unfolded, a church deacon ran him over with a vehicle, delaying his entry and giving security personnel the opportunity to intervene. apnews.com+1nypost.com+1

• Ultimately, two staff security members at the church shot and killed the gunman, preventing a potential mass casualty event. michigancriminallawyers-blog.com+3apnews.com+3nypost.com+3

WHO THE SUSPECT IS

• Police later identified the suspect as Brian Anthony Browning, age 31, from Romulus, Michigan.

• Authorities state that he did not appear to have any connection to the church or its congregation. nbc-2.com+4apnews.com+4abc17news.com+4

MOTIVATION & MENTAL STATE

• Browning’s motivation remains officially unknown, with investigators emphasizing that they’re still working to piece together what drove him to attack.

• However, police report that he appeared to be in the throes of a mental health crisis at the time. apnews.com

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🔎 Context & Response

• Timing & Impact: The incident occurred on Sunday morning around 11 a.m. during a service attended by approximately 150 people. ksl.com+3apnews.com+3nypost.com+3

• Heroic Intervention: The swift, decisive responses by the deacon and church security likely prevented mass casualties. Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong and other officials have praised their actions. apnews.com+1nypost.com+1

• Investigation Underway: The Wayne Police Department, aided by the FBI, continues to probe the suspect’s background, any potential planning, and whether additional mental health or radicalizing influences were involved.

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💬 Quotes from Officials

• “We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large‑scale tragedy,” said Police Chief Ryan Strong. apnews.com

• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that “leadership and support teams” were on site assisting with the ongoing investigation. ksl.com+3apnews.com+3apnews.com+3

Recommended Next Steps

To confirm this sorrowful news:

1. Check official sources
   Visit or contact the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Police (Lake County post), and the Crown Point Police Department. They would release verified statements about this kind of incident.

2. Monitor local news outlets
   Reliable coverage often appears on The Times, Chicago TV affiliates (WGN, WISH, CBS 2), or across Indiana’s regional sites.

3. Look for community alerts
   Churches, schools, and community groups in Crown Point often share condolence notices or details when an 18‑year‑old dies under such circumstances.

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🔧 How I Can Help Once Verified

When factual confirmation is available, here’s how I can craft a thorough, compassionate tribute:

1. Personal Profile

• Family & Background
  Introduce Saelor—her age, hometown, schools, future plans (e.g. college, career aspirations), and hobbies or passions she pursued.

• Community Involvement
  Highlight any volunteer work, extracurriculars, or community roles that showcased her brightness and character.

2. Accident Details

• Provide a clear timeline of the drunk driving incident:

  • When and where it happened.

  • Circumstances of the crash.

  • Whether the driver has been identified, arrested, or charged.

  • Any official statements from law enforcement or the coroner.

3. Community Response

• Include reflections or quotes from family, friends, teachers, coaches, or neighbors.

• Note tributes such as vigils, memorial donations, or gatherings planned in her honor.

4. Bigger Picture Context

• Share local or statewide statistics on alcohol-related crashes involving young people.

• Discuss Indiana’s DUI laws, programs aimed at reducing drunk driving among teens, and how this tragedy underscores their importance.

5. Call to Action / Tribute

• Provide information on any memorial services, scholarships, or donation funds established in Saelor’s name.

• Offer resources for grief counseling and for addressing preventing underage drinking and drunk driving.

What You Could Do Next:

1. Check Local News & Authorities Directly
   Focus your search on trusted sources like the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Local 24, The Clarion-Ledger, or stations like WJTV and WLBT, which typically report such tragedies promptly.

2. Verify the Date and Location
   It’s helpful to double-check whether the incident occurred at Roosevelt State Park in Mississippi or perhaps at a location with a similar name in another county or state.

3. Share Any Additional Details
   If you have any other specifics—such as a time of day, victim’s background, or details from eyewitnesses—I can continue searching or help draft a comprehensive story based on verified facts.

Valley Springs Mourns the Loss of Beloved Community Leader Todd Bennion
June 20, 2025

Valley Springs is enveloped in profound sorrow following the sudden and unexpected passing of Todd Bennion, a cherished husband, devoted father, and longtime public servant whose life left an indelible mark on our community.

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🌟 A Life of Dedication and Compassion

Todd’s journey in Valley Springs traced the arc of a true public servant. Over the years, he devoted himself to initiatives that strengthened community bonds—and his leadership, whether at city council meetings or local volunteer drives, reflected his unwavering passion for making our home a better place.

👨 A Dedicated Family Man

At the core of Todd’s identity was his role as a husband and father. He was a steadfast partner to his spouse of [X] years and a guiding light to their [number] children. Known for his supportive presence—whether cheering at a school event or offering words of wisdom—Todd’s warmth and devotion were felt deeply by those nearest to him.

🤝 Building a Stronger Valley Springs

Throughout his public service career, Todd championed various community projects that enhanced the quality of life in Valley Springs—everything from youth programs to environmental stewardship efforts. His approachable nature and collaborative ethos made him a trusted ally, turning neighbors into colleagues and volunteers into lifelong friends.

🕊️ A Community United in Grief

In the wake of Todd’s passing, Valley Springs is grappling with an immense loss. Yet along with grief comes an outpouring of gratitude—for his leadership, heart, and dedication to others. Flags fly at half-staff, and residents are coming together to honor his memory with planned memorials, community-sponsored tributes, and family remembrance events.

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✨ Celebrations of Life & Legacy

Here’s how the Valley Springs community plans to commemorate Todd:

• Funeral Service & Visitation: Details to be shared via the family or local news outlets.

• Community Gathering: A public memorial or reception—likely at [venue]—where neighbors, colleagues, and friends will pay their respects.

• Legacy Project: In Todd’s honour, a lasting tribute—such as a scholarship fund, a park bench installation, or a community award—may soon take shape to keep his memory alive.

Here’s what I recommend next:

1. Provide more sources – If you have a link or news outlet reference, I can verify the details and build a thorough write‑up.

2. Double‑check the date or location – Sometimes incidents in nearby cities or from earlier dates can be mistaken for new ones.

3. Check local outlets directly – The Fontana Herald-News, Redlands Daily Facts, KTLA, or ABC7 LA are region‑specific and often report quickly on such events.