Test Shows Terre Haute Firefighter Killed in Accident was Legally too Drunk to Drive

    Jan. 26, 2005
    The off-duty Terre Haute firefighter who died early Sunday morning in a traffic accident had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
    Terre Haute, IN -- The off-duty Terre Haute firefighter who died early Sunday morning in a traffic accident had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

    Toxicology tests showed Tray Hodges, 36, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.28 percent, said Vigo County Coroner Dr. Roland Kohr. In Indiana, a level of 0.08 percent is considered too drunk to drive.

    Hodges was killed on impact after his Dodge Durango struck a snowplow on Indiana 46 near Anton Street, just south of the Interstate 70 interchange. According to the Indiana State Police report, Hodges was trying to pass the plow on the right when the left front of his vehicle struck the plow.

    The accident occurred just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

    Kohr said autopsy results indicate that Hodges was not wearing a seat belt.

    The snowplow was driven by Lawrence Decker, 55, of Terre Haute. He was not injured.

    State Police were continuing their investigation.

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