Frankfort Mourns the Loss of Jose Chavez and Norma Perez
A wave of grief has swept through Frankfort, Indiana, as the community comes to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of Jose Chavez, 64, and Norma Perez, 59. The beloved couple’s lives were cut short on State Road 39 in a devastating three-vehicle crash that unfolded late Thursday morning.
At approximately 10:25 a.m., Boone County dispatchers received urgent calls reporting the collision in the 8500 block of the highway. By the time deputies and medics arrived, the scene told a story of catastrophic impact: a GMC Terrain, a RAM van, and a concrete truck all left mangled in the roadway. Sadly, Jose and Norma died before help could reach them, leaving their family and friends in disbelief.
A Crash That Shook the Community
Investigators reported that the crash involved multiple vehicles and left others seriously injured. Yaraliz Mercado, 25, a passenger in the couple’s GMC Terrain, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The RAM van’s driver, Brice Stingley, 62, also suffered life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the concrete truck, Russel Hampton, 62, sustained only minor wounds.
The details of what led to the deadly collision are still under review, but the impact’s aftermath has already left a deep scar on the community. Friends and neighbors recall Jose and Norma as pillars of kindness—people who not only loved each other but also brought warmth and generosity to everyone around them. Their absence will be felt not just in their family circle but in the countless lives they touched through their compassion and friendship.
Honoring Lives of Love and Dedication
Jose Chavez and Norma Perez were more than just accident victims—they were life partners whose story was one of dedication, hard work, and love for their family. They built a life rooted in shared values and mutual respect, raising a family that reflected their spirit of unity. Those who knew them say their love for each other was undeniable, and their care for others was constant.
As Frankfort comes together in mourning, there is also a call for strength for Yaraliz Mercado and the other injured survivors who now face a long road to recovery. Vigils, prayers, and community support efforts are already forming, as friends rally to ensure the couple’s memory is honored and their family receives the comfort they need.
Jose and Norma’s story is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change in an instant. Though they are gone, their legacy will live on in the love they gave and the countless lives they touched. The Frankfort community stands united in grief—and in remembrance of two lives that ended far too soon.
