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Madison County mourning loss of teen

MADISON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — A Madison County town is mourning the loss of a teenage boy.

A car hit and killed 14-year-old Pierce Resler Tuesday night.

“It just appears to be a horrible accident,” said Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger.

He was walking along State Road 13 near County Road 800 South.

“At least one of the driver witnesses noticed that, for some unknown reason, the boy who was struck stepped onto the travel portion of the highway,” said Mellinger.

Resler was struck when he stepped out into the street.

“The oncoming northbound vehicle that struck him did not have time to yield or miss the young man,” said Mellinger.

There are no sidewalks in the area, and people were seen walking in the roadway Wednesday afternoon.

“Any foot traffic is hazardous in that area,” said Mellinger.

People are now asking for sidewalks.

“It will give the kids somewhere to walk, pedestrians somewhere to walk because (State Road) 13 is real busy, and the speed limit is 55 mph through here,” said Henry Jones, who works along the roadway.

The driver was identified as 19-year-old Zachary Moran of Pendleton. He’s not facing any charges.

Sheriff Mellinger said a blood draw was taken and they are awaiting the results.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Resler’s with funeral expenses.