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An 18-year-old Kokomo man was found dead Wednesday as the result of a motorcycle accident.
The body of Joshua Joseph Shepard was found in a ditch on Ind. 19 south of Etna Green by the Indiana State Highway mowing team.
Police do not know when Shepard died. The body was lying in high weeds along a curve in the road. Police said the weeds and position on the curve made it difficult to see the wreckage or body from the road.
Shepard was pronounced dead at the scene by Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd. He suffered blunt traumatic injuries from the accident. Police reported he was probably killed instantly.
The motorcycle found with him was reported stolen Aug. 2 by Travis Clark from his home in North Webster.
Investigators at the scene found pieces of the motorcycle scattered in the high weeds and embankment area near the road. Police believe that speed and the curve in the roadway contributed to the accident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.
The motorcycle traveled approximately 202 feet after leaving the roadway before coming to rest.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department is investigating the accident. The Indiana State Police assisted at the scene.
