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CLAYPOOL - A Claypool teen was killed this morning when the pickup he was driving was struck by a semi at the Claypool overpass.
David Hedington, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:47 a.m. accident at the intersection of Ind. 15 and CR 700S.
According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Hedington was westbound on CR 700S when he pulled into the path of a northbound semi and was broadsided. The pickup was pushed about 150 feet down the highway and was embedded in the front of the semi. Warsaw firefighters were called for extrication equipment because police were unable to open the pickup doors.
Witnesses told officials Hedington stopped at the stop sign before proceeding into the intersection when the accident occurred.
A student at Warsaw Community High School, authorities said Hedington had just dropped his sister off at a babysitter's house and was en route to Silver Lake to pick up a friend before heading to school this morning.
Sheriff Al Rovenstine said the driver of the semi, Warren D. Richey, 25, of 2202 S. CR 1600E, Silver Lake, was tested for alcohol and drug use, which is routine in a fatal accident investigation, and the results were negative. The semi, Rovenstine said, was traveling at a normal rate of speed. Richey was not injured.
