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SYRACUSE - Two people are dead after an accident early Saturday on Ind. 13, about one-half mile south of Syracuse.
Jamey P. McPhetters, 26, of 157-1/2 W. Market St. #2, Nappanee, was pronounced dead at Goshen General Hospital, and April M. Rodriguez, 24, of 2234 E. Jefferson St., Warsaw, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2 a.m. two-vehicle accident north of Grandview Drive.
According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department press release, McPhetters was northbound on Ind. 13 when he crossed the center line and sideswiped a southbound car driven by Daniel Lukes, 26, of Crown Point. McPhetters' car then continued northbound in the southbound lane and struck a car driven by Benjamin T. Boesenberg, 21, of North CR 650E, Warsaw, head on. Rodriguez was a passenger in Boesenberg's car.
After impact, McPhetters car caught fire and bystanders were able to pull him from his burning vehicle. He suffered massive internal injuries and was transported to GGH, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Rodriguez suffered massive head injuries and was trapped in Boesenberg's car. Boesenberg suffered bruises to his legs and was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital and released.
Boesenberg told police he saw headlights in his lane of travel and attempted to swerve out of the way, but was unable to avoid the collision with McPhetters' car.
According to police, no seat belts were in use and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident. Reports indicated that McPhetters' blood-alcohol content was .201 percent, Boesenberg had a BAC of .062 percent and Rodriguez's BAC was .104 percent.
Damage was estimated at $5,000 to $10,000 to McPhetters' car; $10,000 to $25,000 to Boesenberg's car; and $1,000 to $2,500 to Lukes' car.
Assisting at the scene were Syracuse and North Webster police departments and emergency medical services, and Syracuse Fire Department.
The accident remains under investigation.
