A tragic crash in Evansville has claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left four others injured after a speeding vehicle went airborne and struck a tree Sunday afternoon.
Alexander Hessler
Authorities say the crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the 1900 block of Orchard Road. Five people were inside the vehicle when it traveled eastbound over a hill at a high rate of speed. According to investigators, the vehicle went airborne for approximately 50 feet, became lodged in a tree, and eventually came to rest in the roadway.
The 14-year-old passenger, later identified as Alexander Hessler, was ejected through the rear passenger window. First responders transported him to a local hospital, where he tragically died from his injuries. Officials confirmed that the driver and three additional passengers sustained minor injuries.
In a press release, authorities stated that speed is believed to have been a major factor in the crash.
On Monday, the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office formally identified the victim as Alexander Hessler. The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) confirmed that Alexander was a student at Reitz High School.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our students, and our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends, and the entire Reitz community during this difficult time,” the school district said in a statement.
The crash remains under investigation as the community mourns the heartbreaking loss of a young life taken far too soon.
