Pendleton – At 11:20 a.m. this morning Pendleton Trooper Ron Huff was sent to the 19.8 mile marker on I-69 for a report of a pedestrian struck in the south bound lanes.  Through investigation and interviewing of witnesses, Trooper Huff learned that the victim had pulled his car over to the shoulder, got out and stood in front of it before running into the path of an oncoming southbound semi tractor.

The pedestrian, James S. Vendel, age 61, of Fortville, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the semi tractor, Marty J. Collins, age 54, of Fort Wayne, was uninjured. It is unknown why Vendel ran into oncoming traffic, and the investigation is ongoing.

Trooper Huff was assisted at the scene by Pendleton Post Crash Reconstruction Troopers, Crime Scene Technicians and Investigators, and State Highway.  In addition he received assistance from Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire Department and EMS, as well as the Madison County Coroner and EMA.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.