The father of Indiana basketball legend Damon Bailey was killed and Bailey’s mother was badly hurt in a multi-vehicle accident Monday in Brown County.
Wendell Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger on the motorcycle he was driving, Beverly Bailey, was flown to a nearby hospital due to the extent of her injuries.
Brown County sheriff officials said in a news release they are unclear how exactly the Baileys were involved in the accident shortly before 3 p.m. Monday on State Road 46 East.
According to the release, a 2005 Nissan Altima driven by Jacob Waltermire began to pass a tractor-trailer and saw an oncoming motorcycle. Waltermire attempted to get back behind the tractor-trailer but overcorrected and lost control. He crossed the center lane and was struck by a 2012 Hyundai Elantra driven by Hana Cai, who was following the motorcycle driven by Bailey.
Waltermire was taken to Columbus Regional Health for a blood-draw, a standard procedure in fatal accidents, according to the release.
No other injuries were reported and the accident remains under investigation.
Damon Bailey was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball after leading Bedford North Lawrence to that state championship in 1990 and remains the state’s all-time leading scorer. He was a four-year starter at Indiana University and helped lead the Hoosiers to two Big Ten championships and the Final Four in 1992.
Indiana basketball posted a message of condolences and support on Twitter Tuesday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Damon Bailey and his family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of your father, Wendell, and for injuries suffered by your mother, Beverly, in this terrible accident yesterday. — Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) September 22, 2020
