Benton Central High School student killed, another student injured in 2-vehicle crash
Update: The Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office identified the second person who died in the crash as 56-year-old Kimberly Burge.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) — A double fatality crash in Tippecanoe County killed two people, including a Benton Central Sr. High School student late Monday night.
The student who died was identified as Jaden Harvey by the Benton Community School Corporation. The identity of the other person who died has not been shared yet.
Indiana State Police say that around 9:30 p.m., troopers responded to a double fatality crash on U.S. 52 near County Road 400 West outside the northwest edge of West Lafayette.
Troopers learned in their investigation that a 2005 Pontiac G2 was driving west on U.S. 52 when a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee driving north on C.R. 400 W crashed into the side of the Pontiac.
The driver and passenger of the Pontiac were pronounced dead by officials on the scene. The driver of the Jeep and another passenger in the Pontiac were taken to a hospital.
Officers have not shared updates on their conditions.
The second passenger in the Pontiac is also a Benton high school student, Benton Community Schools Superintendent Annette Zupin told News 8 Tuesday. They were identified as Rylan Burge by the school.
The Benton Community School Corporation released a statement regarding Harvey’s death on social media Tuesday afternoon.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you that on Monday evening two of our high school students were involved in a car accident. Rylan Burge was injured in the accident and is currently hospitalized. Jaden Harvey was injured and unfortunately did not survive his injuries. Our entire Benton Community School Corporation wishes to express our deep condolences to the families and friends of these students. Jaden will be missed.
Our crisis response team is working with building administrators to provide support to students and staff in the next several days. We encourage families to speak with their child/children and use our dedicated Student Services Department at Benton Central.
Our Benton School Community has historically demonstrated amazing support, banding together during difficult times. We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and support from the community as our corporation processes this tragedy. Let’s remain Benton Strong.
Benton Community School Corporation
Investigators are still working to determine the factors that led up to the crash.