The rural quiet of Hanover, Indiana, was shattered on the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025, when a devastating off-road vehicle (ORV) crash took the life of one woman and left three others injured—two critically. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the tragic incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 5200 block of South River Bottom Road. The area, known for its scenic trails and recreational use, became the site of a stark reminder about the perils of ORV use when safety protocols are not followed.

The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Paula McAlister, a resident of Madison, Indiana. Authorities confirmed that Paula was among the three passengers aboard the ORV driven by 75-year-old Charles Howell of Hanover. Also riding were 74-year-old Jacquelyn Howell, also of Hanover, and 55-year-old Donald McAlister, another Madison resident. What began as a seemingly routine ride turned tragic when the ORV veered from the roadway and tumbled down a hill, rolling multiple times and ejecting its passengers.

Indiana Conservation Officers were first to report on the severity of the crash. When emergency responders arrived, they found Paula McAlister deceased at the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine her precise cause of death, but initial reports make it clear that the traumatic impact from the rollover was considerable.

Charles and Jacquelyn Howell were both severely injured. Due to the critical nature of their injuries, both were airlifted via Air Methods Kentucky 11 to the University of Louisville Hospital. Their current conditions remain undisclosed, pending further medical evaluation. Meanwhile, Donald McAlister sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground to Norton King’s Daughters Health for treatment.

Authorities have pointed to a lack of basic safety measures as a significant factor in the severity of the crash. None of the vehicle’s four occupants were wearing seatbelts or helmets at the time of the incident. In off-road environments, especially on uneven terrain like that near South River Bottom Road, such precautions can make a life-or-death difference. The ORV’s failure to maintain stability on a slope led directly to the multiple rollovers, a situation made drastically more dangerous without any restraints or protective headgear.

As part of standard procedure, a toxicology test has been requested, although alcohol is not currently suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. Officials were quick to note that such assessments are standard in all incidents involving fatalities, ensuring that no contributing factor goes uninvestigated.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene. In addition to Indiana Conservation Officers, units from the Hanover Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Norton King’s Daughters’ Health Emergency Medical Services, and Air Methods Kentucky 11 coordinated in what was a complex and emotionally challenging emergency response. The coordinated efforts reflect the serious nature of the incident and the demand for rapid medical intervention.

Though the full cause of the crash is still under investigation, early reports suggest that driver control and terrain challenges may have intersected fatally. Investigators are exploring whether the driver misjudged the terrain or if a mechanical failure contributed to the loss of control. That analysis will likely rely on witness statements, physical evidence from the crash site, and any diagnostics that can be extracted from the ORV.

For now, the community of Madison, where both Paula and Donald McAlister resided, and Hanover, home to the Howells, are left reeling from the tragedy. The loss of Paula McAlister has prompted a wave of grief in her hometown. Her death, so sudden and violent, underscores the unpredictability and severity of off-road accidents.

Officials have used the opportunity to urge the public to embrace safety measures. Seatbelts and helmets, often ignored during recreational rides, are critical tools in protecting riders. ORVs are powerful machines, and while they offer excitement and access to remote terrain, they come with inherent risks that must be mitigated with preparation and precaution.

Further details, including the results of Paula McAlister’s autopsy and the toxicology tests, are expected in the coming weeks. As the investigation continues, authorities hope to piece together a more complete picture of what led to this fatal event, and perhaps offer lessons that may prevent similar tragedies in the future.