FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A Fort Wayne man died Tuesday after being run over by his own vehicle in a tragic accident that unfolded in a residential neighborhood just after noon.

The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) confirmed the man had exited his vehicle in a driveway on Ardis Drive, located near Winchester Road, when the unoccupied vehicle rolled backward and struck him.

When emergency crews arrived, they found the man on the ground with serious injuries and surrounded by blood. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead, police said.

Routine stop turns fatal

Investigators believe the incident began as a routine parking maneuver. According to preliminary reports, the man had parked in a driveway and exited the vehicle, but it was not properly secured—either by not being fully shifted into park or by not engaging the parking brake.

The vehicle began to roll backward down the inclined driveway, fatally striking the man before coming to a stop. Officials have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending family notification.

FWPD: No signs of foul play

A call to emergency services was placed just after 12 p.m., with dispatchers initially treating the incident as an “unknown problem.” Upon arrival, officers quickly determined the cause of the injuries and secured the scene.

FWPD says no foul play is suspected. The Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) has launched a formal investigation to reconstruct the sequence of events and confirm the mechanical status of the vehicle.

A reminder on vehicle safety

While rare, similar incidents have occurred across the U.S., often due to improper gear engagement or failure to engage the parking brake, especially on inclines.

Auto safety experts stress that drivers should:

• Always ensure the vehicle is fully in park before exiting.

• Use the parking brake consistently, even on flat terrain.

• Turn wheels toward the curb on downhill slopes as a precaution.

Neighborhood shocked

Residents of the quiet Ardis Drive community expressed disbelief over the tragedy. “It’s something you don’t expect to happen in your neighborhood in the middle of the day,” said one neighbor who witnessed emergency responders arriving.

Police have not indicated whether surveillance footage from surrounding homes was reviewed but said the investigation remains ongoing.