Gary Man Struck and Killed on U.S. 35 After Multiple Reports of Man Jumping in Front of Traffic
Starke County — A Gary man was killed Monday night after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 35, just minutes after several 911 callers reported a male walking in the roadway and jumping in front of passing cars.
According to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were first dispatched at approximately 9:07 p.m. on November 24, 2025, to the area of U.S. 35 and 25 North after multiple drivers reported a man dressed in black walking in the middle of the highway and attempting to step into traffic.
At 9:14 p.m., while deputies were still responding, dispatch received an update that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian in the same area. Upon arrival, deputies found an unconscious male along the side of the roadway. He was identified as 39-year-old Donnie Keaton of Gary, Indiana.
Starke County EMS crews immediately began life-saving efforts before transporting Keaton to a nearby hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
Preliminary findings indicate a juvenile driver from Knox was traveling southbound on U.S. 35 when they observed a person standing in the middle of their lane. The juvenile attempted to swerve but was unable to avoid striking Keaton. The driver was not injured.
Toxicology results are pending, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Assisting agencies included the Knox Police Department, Starke County EMS, Knox Fire Department, and the Starke County Coroner’s Office.
