By Sophia Voravong
svoravong@journalandcourier.com
Toxicology tests are pending for a Dayton man who died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday on Lafayette's south side.
Zachary I. Woodrow, 22, suffered severe head trauma after his van crashed into several trees and a telephone pole off Teal Road at 1:18 a.m. Sunday. He was pronounced dead at Home Hospital.
Woodrow's passenger, Edwin Battering, 38, of Lafayette, was treated at Home Hospital for cuts to his face after striking the windshield. He was not listed as a patient there Monday night, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Officer Tim Bonner of the Lafayette Police Department said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the wreck. Several people at the scene said the vehicle and victim smelled of alcoholic beverages, he said. A crash report also stated Woodrow had been drinking before the wreck.
Lt. Jeanette Bennett said Woodrow was driving a 1994 Pontiac van northbound on Indiana 25 attempting to head north onto South Fourth Street when he missed the curve.
The vehicle instead went through the intersection and continued east on Teal Road before leaving the roadway, Bennett said.
Flames were shooting from the hood when police arrived, and fire crews had to cut the van to remove Woodrow, according to the crash report.
Bennett said witnesses told police Woodrow was driving at high speed just before the wreck. He had been wearing his seat belt, and airbags in the van deployed.
