14-year-old killed after speeding vehicle goes airborne over hill, crashes into tree, authorities say

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) – Officials in Indiana said a 14-year-old was killed and four other people were injured in a car crash Sunday.

Authorities said the call came in around 3:30 p.m. in the 1900 block of Orchard Road in Evansville for an accident with injuries. Five people were reportedly in one car at the time of the crash.

Officials said the vehicle was going eastbound on Orchard Road when it went over the hill, became airborne around 50 feet, got stuck in a tree and then stopped in the roadway.

The 14-year-old passenger was taken to a hospital after being ejected from the vehicle’s rear passenger window, according to authorities. He later died at the hospital.

Officials said the driver and three other passengers had minor injuries.

According to the press release, officials believe speed was a main factor in the crash.

On Monday, the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office identified the 14-year-old as Alexander Hessler.

The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation released a statement confirming that Alexander was a student at Reitz High School.

The EVSC shared a statement, saying Hessler was a student at Reitz.

“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.

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