Pedestrian hit and killed on I-69

PENDELTON, Ind. (WANE) - Indiana State Police said a man was hit and killed on I-69 Sunday morning.

Around 11:20 a.m. there was a report of a pedestrian hit in the southbound lanes of I-69 around mile marker 19.8. That is a few miles south of Anderson. Pendleton State Trooper Ron Huff responded and talked to witnesses. He learned that the victim had pulled his car over to the shoulder, got out and stood in front of it before running into the path of an oncoming southbound semi tractor.

The pedestrian, James S. Vendel, 61, of Fortville, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi truck, Marty J. Collins, 54, of Fort Wayne, was not injured.

Police said it isn't known why Vendel ran into oncoming traffic. The investigation is ongoing.

Trooper Huff was assisted at the scene by Pendleton Post Crash Reconstruction Troopers, Crime Scene Technicians and Investigators, and State Highway. In addition he received assistance from Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire Department and EMS, as well as the Madison County Coroner and EMA.