Driver In Triple Fatal Was Intoxicated

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor-

Toxicology results indicate that the driver in a Nov. 1 triple fatality was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. One of the teen passengers also consumed alcohol, while another was free of chemical substances, according to Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd.

John C.G. "Kit" Johnson, 19, of Pierceton, and Adam J. Bernicky, 18, and Joshua Hartline, 16, both of Warsaw, died in the one-car accident along Ind. 13, near Pierceton.

Ladd said Johnson's blood alcohol level was .226 - more than twice the limit at which one is considered intoxicated - and he tested positive for marijuana. Johnson was the driver of the car when it left the roadway south of CR 700E and struck two trees, one broadside and one head-on. Excessive speed was a contributing factor, police said.

Bernicky, who was the front-seat passenger, had a blood-alcohol level of .104 percent and tested negative for drugs, and Hartline, who was in the back seat, tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.

All three of the teens died from head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:40 a.m., Nov. 1 accident. Kosciusko County Sheriff Al Rovenstine said that with the conclusion of the toxicology reports, the investigation into the accident is closed. [[In-content Ad]]

Toxicology results indicate that the driver in a Nov. 1 triple fatality was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. One of the teen passengers also consumed alcohol, while another was free of chemical substances, according to Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd.

John C.G. "Kit" Johnson, 19, of Pierceton, and Adam J. Bernicky, 18, and Joshua Hartline, 16, both of Warsaw, died in the one-car accident along Ind. 13, near Pierceton.

Ladd said Johnson's blood alcohol level was .226 - more than twice the limit at which one is considered intoxicated - and he tested positive for marijuana. Johnson was the driver of the car when it left the roadway south of CR 700E and struck two trees, one broadside and one head-on. Excessive speed was a contributing factor, police said.

Bernicky, who was the front-seat passenger, had a blood-alcohol level of .104 percent and tested negative for drugs, and Hartline, who was in the back seat, tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.

All three of the teens died from head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:40 a.m., Nov. 1 accident. Kosciusko County Sheriff Al Rovenstine said that with the conclusion of the toxicology reports, the investigation into the accident is closed. [[In-content Ad]]

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