Trooper Oscar Mills died from injuries he suffered in a single-vehicle accident more than eight years earlier while in pursuit of a speeding vehicle near Flora.

   While pursuing the violator westbound on State Road 18 west of County Road 350 West, Trooper Mills struck an eastbound car turning left into a local farm. His squad car careened sideways 300 feet before coming to rest against a grain bin.

   He suffered a skull fracture and remained in a coma from the time of the accident until he died from his injuries at Mercy Hospital in Gary more than eight years later.

   Trooper Mills, from Hobart, was assigned to the Lafayette post. He was survived by his wife, 14- and 8-year-old sons, 13- and 10-year-old daughters, sister and father.