On a quiet Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, the serene stretch of North State Road 45 near mile marker 27 in Greene County, Indiana, became the scene of a heart-wrenching tragedy. At approximately 2:40 p.m., a catastrophic head-on collision claimed a life and left a community grappling with sorrow. The Greene County Sheriff’s Department, led by Deputy Andrew Weeks, is now piecing together the events that led to this devastating crash, as families and residents mourn the loss and pray for recovery.
The collision involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on the rural highway. William Brand, a 41-year-old resident of Bedford, was behind the wheel of a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, heading northbound. In a split second, his vehicle crashed head-on into a 2021 Ford F-450 driven by Michael Kieft, a 49-year-old from Bloomfield. The force of the impact was catastrophic, leaving both vehicles mangled and the road strewn with debris.
Emergency responders, including Greene County EMS, the Indiana State Police, Eastern Greene School Police and Fire, and the Greene County Coroner’s Office, rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, William Brand was pronounced dead at the site of the crash, a loss that has left his family, friends, and the tight-knit Bedford community in profound grief. Michael Kieft, though injured, survived the collision and was swiftly transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The extent of his injuries remains undisclosed, but the community holds its breath, hoping for his full recovery.
As the sun set on that fateful day, the quiet hum of State Road 45 was replaced by the somber work of investigators. Deputy Andrew Weeks and his team are meticulously examining the circumstances of the crash, from road conditions to potential factors like speed or distraction. While answers are still forthcoming, the investigation is a beacon of hope for closure in a community shaken by loss.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of our daily journeys. William Brand’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the thoughts of Greene County are with Michael Kieft as he fights to recover. The road ahead for both families is one of healing, supported by a community united in compassion and resilience.
