ORLAND, IN - The Stueben County Sheriff’s Department has released more information today (Monday, 8/8/22) and updated original details sent out concerning a fatal car crash Friday evening near Orland.

The accident happened just before 4 PM on State Road 120, slightly west of County Road 850 West.

Authorities have identified the individuals involved in the silver 2012 Volkswagen.  The driver of the vehicle was Lonnie Lee Bright, age 43 of Fremont (previously White Pigeon, MI).  He suffered extensive blunt force trauma and still remains hospitalized in grave condition.  

The front seat passenger with Mr. Bright was his wife, Breanna Jeanne Bright, age 33, also of Fremont. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Steuben County Coroner’s office.

The two back seat passengers were 5 year old Journey Bright who still remains hospitalized in critical condition, and 3 month old Granger Bright who was treated at Cameron Hospital and has since been released.

Initial information from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department indicated that Mr. Bright and 5 year old Journey were first transported to Cameron Hospital, and then flown to Parkview Regional Medical Center by Samaritan helicopter. Authorities have since corrected that information.

Mr. Bright and 5 year old Journey were both transported from the scene directly to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN by Steuben County EMS.  

The Sheriff's Office regrets the error.  

The crash still remains under investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff's Department.