Man found dead half a mile from crash scene

TIPTON COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - A 22-year-old man from Atlanta, Indiana died early Friday morning after he crashed his truck and was then hit by another car after he collapsed in the middle of the road.

Police said Joseph Richards was driving northbound on County Road 400 East, south of County Road 550 South at around 3:50 a.m., when he drove off the east side of the road and down into an embankment. His truck came to rest on its top in a drainage ditch, which had about three feet of water in it.

According to police, Richards escaped from his truck and started walking northbound on County Road 400 East. Richards then collapsed in the middle of the road about a half of a mile from the original crash scene.

Police said around 3:52 a.m., Richards was hit by a car going northbound on County Road 400 East. The driver of the car, Michael Ducheteau, 20, of Alexandria, was not injured, according to police.

The Tipton County Coroner pronounced Richards dead at the scene.

Police believe Richards was dead prior to being hit by Ducheateau's car. At this time, officials are unsure if Richards died from injuries from the initial crash or because of the cold temperatures and subzero wind chill.

According to police, toxicology tests are pending to determine if drugs or narcotics were involved in the initial crash. Police said alcohol and drugs are not suspected as having contributed to the second crash involving Ducheteau. The crash is still under investigation.