On May 8, 2025, a collision on an Indiana highway involving an Amazon‑contracted delivery driver, Shawn Akison, turned two New Prairie mini‑school buses onto their sides, injuring several members of the New Prairie JV baseball team.
Among the injured was 16‑year‑old Lucas Bradshaw, a promising pitcher who was thrown nearly 75 feet from the impact. He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, required emergency surgery, spent weeks in a coma and months in intensive care, and has since begun a slow but steady recovery.
Investigations revealed that Akison had amassed nearly 40 traffic violations prior to the crash and tested positive for fentanyl at the time of the incident. The driver’s record raised questions about the adequacy of background checks performed by the companies that hired him.
The Bradshaw family filed a 13‑count lawsuit in St. Joseph County, naming Amazon, Enterprise and the county itself as defendants. The complaint alleges that the corporations failed to conduct thorough background screenings, allowing a driver with a dangerous history to operate a commercial vehicle.
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, the plaintiffs seek compensation for pain, suffering and the long‑term disabilities that have altered Lucas’s future plans. Community members have rallied around the family, organizing fundraisers and offering emotional support during his rehabilitation.
A Call for Systemic Change
The Bradshaws and their attorney argue that the case should serve as a wake‑up call for companies that rely on contracted drivers, urging stricter vetting processes and greater transparency to protect public safety.