Jackson County, Indiana – A man walking along Interstate 65 in southern Indiana was struck and killed late Sunday night, leading to hours-long lane closures and an ongoing investigation by Indiana State Police.
According to the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post, the incident began just after 11:25 p.m. Sunday, when the driver of a southbound Volvo semi-tractor reported striking a pedestrian near mile marker 35, just north of Austin. The driver pulled over and contacted authorities, prompting deputies from the Scott County and Jackson County Sheriff’s Departments to search for the pedestrian.
A short time later, deputies learned a second crash had occurred nearby. Police say a southbound Ford Escape struck the same pedestrian as he walked northbound in the driving lane, roughly half a mile from the initial reported impact. The driver immediately stopped and called 911.
First responders transported the pedestrian to Scott Memorial Hospital in Scottsburg, where he was pronounced deceased. He was later identified as Bryce Allen Sheaffer, 35, of Seymour, located in Jackson County.
Indiana State Police crash reconstruction investigators say preliminary findings indicate the semi-tractor initially grazed Sheaffer. Police say he then continued walking against traffic and entered the driving lane, where he was struck by the passenger vehicle several minutes later.
Authorities stated that neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected as contributing factors for either driver. The southbound lanes of I-65 were closed until about 4 a.m. Monday while investigators processed the scene.
The family of the deceased has been notified. The crash remains under investigation by Indiana State Police.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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