Driver dies more than 2 weeks after fiery tanker crash

The truck driver who escaped a fiery crash after his tanker overturned and caught fire near interstates 70 and 465 has died, a spokesperson for Eskenazi Health has confirmed.

Jeffrey "Duke" Denman, 59, died Saturday morning, just over two weeks after the crash.

Denman was a driver for Zionsville-based Jet Star Inc. He was carrying about 4,000 gallons of jet fuel when his semi rolled over on the ramp and exploded on Feb. 20.

Fuel poured from the tanker. Fire engulfed the ramp from southbound I-465 to eastbound I-70, causing severe damage to the surrounding area. Ducks near the crash site were covered in fuel.

Denman escaped the fire and was helped to safety by three good Samaritans whom officials credited with saving his life. One person used a coat to extinguish the flames and cover Denman, who had been severely burned. Another sprang into action despite having recently given birth.

Denman was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No other vehicles were involved. At the time of the crash, investigators said they believed the truck had taken the exit at an unsafe speed, resulting in the rollover. Indiana State Police is still investigating.

Good Samaritans react

The news of Denman's death brought a devastating end to what Mitch Navarre, who covered Denman and helped him walk to safety, thought would be a happy story.

"That really hurt me," Navarre said. "I cried this morning when I heard that. I didn't get a chance to meet with him again."

Navarre, also a truck driver, was traveling west on I-70 when he saw the crash. He parked his truck and ran to help Denman get away from the fire and smoke.

Navarre said he saw Denman standing next to the tanker. His clothes were on fire. Navarre used his coat to extinguish the fire on his clothes, then helped move him away from the truck.

"I feel defeated. I feel like I didn't succeed," Navarre said. "I feel like I didn't get to see him live and tell his story." Navarre now hopes he can attend Denman's funeral.

Jet Star Inc., Denman's employer, offered its condolences in a message posted on Facebook. 

"Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers," the company said. "It is a sad day for the Jet Star family and all that knew “Duke”. Our deepest condolences to the Denman family and all of Duke's friends. Please continue to pray for them during this difficult time."

Contact IndyStar reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com or call 317-617-2690. Follow her on Twitter: @allyburris.