BSU student dies after being pulled from flooded car

FAIRMOUNT, Ind. (WISH) - A Ball State student, on his way back to school, was killed when his car ran off the road in high water late Sunday.

A Grant County Sheriff's spokesperson told 24-Hour News 8 a 19-year-old Ball State University student was traveling back to school about four miles east of Fairmount along State Road 26. The student was later identified as Blake A. Taylor of Kokomo.

Ball State University released this statement Monday afternoon:

On behalf of Ball State University, I extend our deepest sympathies to Blake's family and friends. The loss of such a young man is especially saddening. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

Shortly after 11 p.m., his car encountered a flooded portion of the roadway, lost control and went into a flooded field.

The vehicle rolled onto its top and the passenger compartment filled with water. 

A female passing motorist spotted the car’s flashers and called 911. Two Grant County deputies and a Fairmount police officer responded to the scene and reported the car was within a foot of being completely submerged.

The officers waded out 30 to 40 feet from the roadway into 3 feet of water and attached tow straps. Using their patrol cars, they pulled the submerged vehicle back onto the roadway

As they looked into the vehicle they found the driver still inside.

An ambulance rushed the victim to Marion General Hospital and CPR was performed by emergency personnel but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The victim’s identity is being withheld until family members can be notified.