On June 26, 2021 at approximately 5:20 a.m., Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of the 73.5mm southbound I-65 for a report of a traffic accident. Deputies located a deceased 15-year-old of Columbus that had appeared to have been struck by a semi. After initial investigation and according to witness statements, it is believed the 15-year-old male was traveling north in a red Honda Odyssey on I-65 and ran off the roadway into the median. It appears, then, for an unknown reason, the male attempted to cross southbound traffic on foot where he was then struck by a southbound semi. The incident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Indiana State Police Accident Reconstruction unit.
I-65 was shut down for approximately three hours for Accident Reconstruction. The family of the 15-year-old has been notified.
“This event is truly a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this incident to get all the answers possible,” said Sheriff Matt Myers.
Assisting Agencies:
German Township Fire Department, CRH EMS, Indiana State Police, Columbus Police Department, Edinburgh Police Department, Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office.