A Nappanee mother of two, on her way home from visiting family in Illinois, died Monday at 4:21 p.m. when her car struck a semi head on. Her two children, also in the car, suffered minor injuries.
According to Marshall County Sheriff's Department, Heather Mattern, 32, was driving north along Ind. 331, just south of Bremen, when her car crossed the center line and collided with a semi.
The driver of the semi, Chazman Scherer, 27, of Etna Green, said he swerved to miss Mattern's car, but could not. The semi left the west side of the road.
Mattern's Ford sedan struck the trailer axels, then spun around and came to rest in the northbound lanes of Ind. 331.
Mattern was pronounced dead at the scene. Her two children, who were in restraints in the back seat, suffered minor injuries. They were taken to Bremen Hospital, where they were treated and released. They are in the care of family members, according to the Marshall County coroner.
The coroner added that family members reported Mattern and the children were returning from a family visit to Illinois.
