Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 05/31/2017 08:12 PM EDT
Clay County—The Indiana State Police and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office have officially identified the teenage victim from this afternoon’s van versus pedestrian crash on State Road 246, just west of SR 159.
She has been identified as 15-year-old Layla Raines of Jasonville, IN. Her family has been aware from the onset.
The crash occurred in Clay County, but because she succumbed to her traumatic injuries at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, the coroner’s jurisdiction lies with Vigo County Coroner’s Office.
The Indiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, but it appears she walked or ran into the path of an eastbound 2009 Nissan van, driven by 39-year-old Stephen D. Agee of Jasonville, IN., to retrieve a recreational ball that had traveled south across SR 246 from a nearby yard.
The investigation is ongoing by ISP Detective Michael Featherling and ISP Crash Reconstructionist Sergeant Jim Cody.
Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 05/31/2017 03:48 PM EDT
Clay County—This afternoon at 12:38, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a car versus pedestrian crash in front of a residence on State Road 246 just west of SR 159. The crash resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.
Preliminary investigation revealed a maroon 2009 Nissan Quest van, driven by 39-year-old Stephen D. Agee of Jasonville, IN. was eastbound on SR 246, when a 15-year-old female traveled south from a residence across SR 246 and into his path. The right front of the van impacted the young girl causing traumatic injuries. She was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment but later succumbed there to her injuries. The teenager was reportedly attempting to retrieve a recreational ball that strayed south from the yard across SR 246. She was a visitor to the nearby home.
The crash is being investigated by ISP Detective Michael Featherling. Assisting personnel was ISP Crash Reconstructionist and Crime Scene Investigator Sergeant Jim Cody, Sergeant Joe Watts, and Senior Trooper Bill Bradbury, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Coroner’s Office, Jasonville Police, Lewis Township Fire/Rescue, and CARE EMS.
The investigation is ongoing and drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be a factor. Once complete, the information will be submitted to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office for a standard review.
The family has been notified. Name of deceased is not yet being released, pending coroner’s official identification process. Possibly within 24 hours.
Direct any media questions to Sergeant Joe Watts.
Scene pictures attached. One is ISP Detective Michael Featherling photographing the scene. The other is the Nissan van.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.