Clay County -  The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is requesting assistance from the public and asking for information in reference to a pedestrian being struck.  This occurred on December 25, 2023, on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker at approximately 8:15 p.m.  

The investigation indicates that the victim had stopped at a fueling station located on State Road 59 near Interstate 70.  The victim is seen inside of the fueling station with two other males. The victim then gets into a red passenger vehicle (photo below) with the two males and a female, leaving the fueling station.  Approximately 20 minutes later the victim is observed walking on Interstate 70 and was struck by a passenger vehicle.  

Trooper Rondell Shelton is requesting individuals with any information or who may have observed something in regard to this incident on the night of December 25th, to please contact him at the Putnamville State Police Post at 1-800-225-8576.

* Original Release Below*

Indiana State Police Investigate Pedestrian Struck on Interstate 70 

Clay County -  On December 25, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to a pedestrian being struck on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker.

Troopers were originally dispatched to the area of the 22 mile marker westbound of Interstate 70 in reference to a pedestrian walking on the Interstate for an unknown reason.  However, before troopers arrived on scene there was a second 911 call reference to a pedestrian being struck.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Athan Lamson revealed that an individual was walking in the passing lane on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker when he/she was struck by a passenger vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled over and called 911, fully cooperating with the investigation.  There were no other injuries to report.

The Clay County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and recover the remains of the deceased. The name of the deceased will be released at a later time by the Clay County Coroner’s Office once positive identification and family notification has been made.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information to release at this time.

Assisting Agencies:  Troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, Clay County Sheriff's Department, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Posey Volunteer Fire Department, and the Clay County Coroner's Office.   

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* Original Release Below*

Name Release of Pedestrian Struck on Interstate 70 

Positive Identification - Clay County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased individual that was involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 70 at the 22 mile marker westbound.  The individual has been positively identified as:

Fredy Ramos Escobar

Kansas City, Kansas

Family has been notified.