The DeMotte Christian Schools community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jorie Rottier, a Class of 2025 student, who tragically passed away following a serious multi-vehicle crash in Jasper County, Indiana. Her sudden death has left family members, classmates, teachers, and the wider community in deep sorrow.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred on June 8, 2026, at approximately 12:17 p.m. on State Road 10 near County Road 1100 West in DeMotte. Authorities reported that multiple 911 calls were received regarding a collision involving several vehicles.
Investigators stated that a 2013 Ford Fusion, driven by 26-year-old Kiana Bessette of Wheatfield, struck the rear of a 2006 Mini Cooper driven by 19-year-old Marjorie Rottier of Lowell, who was traveling with two juvenile passengers. The impact caused the Mini Cooper to cross into the opposite lane, where it was then struck by a 2024 Ford F-150 driven by 45-year-old Lori Asztalos of Lowell, also carrying two juvenile passengers.
Officials further reported that the Ford Fusion continued eastbound after the initial impact and later collided with a 2019 Ford Flex driven by 64-year-old Penny Diehl of Rensselaer, which also contained two juvenile passengers. Despite all occupants being restrained and airbags deploying, Marjorie Rottier sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Emergency responders, including Keener Township EMS, Newton County EMS, fire crews, and multiple law enforcement agencies, arrived quickly to assist at the scene. Due to weather conditions, air medical evacuation was not available, and several injured individuals were transported to trauma centers in Crown Point, Indiana, and Kankakee, Illinois, for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing with support from the Indiana State Police and the Jasper County Coroner’s Office as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, DeMotte Christian Schools released a statement expressing deep grief over Jorie Rottier’s passing. She is being remembered as a bright, kind-hearted student whose faith, gentle spirit, and positive presence left a lasting impact on classmates, teachers, and the entire school community.
Her family, Rich and Laura Rottier, are longtime members of the school community, and an outpouring of support has followed as friends, neighbors, and school families come together to offer prayers and comfort.
As the community continues to mourn, many are focusing on honoring Jorie’s life and supporting all those affected by the devastating crash. Her memory remains deeply cherished, and her loss is profoundly felt across the school and beyond.