(Versailles, IN) – The South Decatur Elementary School community is mourning the death of an administrator in a two-vehicle collision in Versailles Friday evening.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and Indiana State Police troopers responded to a crash at the intersection of South High Street and U.S. 50 around 7:40 p.m.
The initial investigation determined that a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban driven by 24-year-old Hailley Eden of Versailles was waiting at the stop sign on South High Street before attempting to turn onto eastbound U.S. 50.
Investigators say after she made the turn, a 2001 Honda motorcycle heading west on 50 and operated by 41-year-old Jake Rader of Waldron struck Eden’s vehicle.
Rader was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County EMS.
He was the assistant principal at South Decatur Elementary.
ISP’s crash reconstructionist was called in to assist with the investigation.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be involved, but toxicology results are pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
In addition to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and Ripley County EMS, other responding agencies included the Versailles Police Department; Ripley County Coroner’s Office; Versailles Fire Department, and Ripley County Communications.
Meanwhile, South Decatur Elementary School will be open on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. for students, staff and families to mourn the loss of Mr. Rader and receive support. Counseling services will be available.
There will also be a space where students can write notes, share memories, or create drawings to be given to Mr. Rader’s family.
You’re asked to enter through Door 7.
