Family, friends, and members of the Allen County community are mourning the tragic and untimely loss of Drew Stephen Saddington, 15, of Fort Wayne, and Bradley Dale Maller, 70, of Kokomo, who both died following a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 69 near Roanoke, Indiana, in 2026.
Authorities report that the collision occurred near the 295-mile marker on southbound I-69 and involved three semi-trucks and three passenger vehicles during heavy traffic. Emergency responders arrived promptly and worked tirelessly at the scene, but both Drew and Bradley sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased. Their deaths have been ruled accidental as investigators continue to examine the circumstances that led to the tragic chain-reaction crash.
Drew is remembered as a bright and promising young teen, full of potential, whose warmth and energy touched his family, classmates, and friends. Bradley is remembered as a respected elder whose wisdom, kindness, and dedication to community left a lasting impact on those around him. The sudden loss of both individuals has left a profound void across multiple communities.
In the wake of this tragedy, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, and surrounding areas have come together to offer prayers, support, and condolences to the families. Local agencies continue to investigate the crash, noting that heavy traffic may have contributed to the initial impact that triggered the fatal chain reaction.
Though their lives were cut far too short, Drew Saddington and Bradley Maller will be remembered with love, respect, and sorrow by all who knew them. Their memories and the legacies of their lives will endure in the hearts of family, friends, and the wider community.
