24-Year-Old Crown Point Man Killed in Motor Vehicle Accident
A 24-year-old Crown Point man has been identified as the victim of a fatal motor vehicle accident Tuesday night, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner investigators were dispatched at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to the roadway in the 6900 block of East 97th Avenue in Crown Point (Merrillville) following reports of a serious incident. A vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree for unknown reasons.
The deceased was identified as Shaun M. Watta, 24, a resident of Crown Point. Positive identification was made by family members at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Watta was pronounced deceased at 11:30 p.m., according to the coroner’s investigator.
The coroner determined Watta sustained multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death was ruled a motor vehicle accident.
Agencies that responded to and assisted at the scene included the Merrillville Police Department, Merrillville Fire Department, and Superior Ambulance.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released at this time.
