Man dies after SUV falls into New Albany creek

A man is dead following a crash that sent his SUV careening into a creek near downtown New Albany late Thursday morning.

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed the fatality, stating that the vehicle left the roadway around 10:20 a.m., jumped a curb, and dropped approximately 30 feet into Falling Run Creek. The incident occurred near the intersection of 10th and Main Streets, close to the Sherman Minton Bridge.

According to police, a resident called to report that a vehicle had veered off the road, struck his front steps, and continued through his yard before plunging into the creek.

Emergency crews responded quickly and were able to recover the vehicle from the water. However, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have released the the name of the man as 62 year old, Curtis Franklin.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Chief Bailey said more information will be released as it becomes available.