A 25-year-old Fishers man was struck and killed Tuesday on a typically quiet stretch of County Road 300 North in Hancock County, according to officials. The crash happened in the 700 block near County Road 100 West and shut the road down for roughly three hours while deputies worked the scene. Authorities later identified the victim as Jaden Pelton of Fishers.
Deputies say Pelton was hit by a Hyundai sedan driven by a 19-year-old Greenfield man, WTHR reported. The driver stayed at the scene, was not injured, and provided both a routine chemical test and a statement to investigators, according to the station. The Hancock County Sheriff's Department told the outlet that drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor.
Pedestrian Deaths Remain A Local Concern
State crash data shows that non-motorist fatalities, including pedestrians, pedalcyclists and others, totaled 131 in 2024, according to the Indiana Traffic Safety Facts report. The report notes that higher speeds and limited lighting on rural county roads can make those stretches especially hazardous for people on foot.
Investigation And Next Steps
The Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team conducted the on-scene investigation and reopened County Road 300 North after about three hours. No arrests or charges have been announced, and the case remains under investigation, according to WTHR. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
Pelton's death underscores how vulnerable pedestrians can be on rural roads that are built for speed, not foot traffic. Local officials said they will release additional details as investigators continue to review the crash.
