2 WRV students killed in Friday morning crash; WRV offering counseling

Friday, December 18, 2020 ~ Updated 8:31 PM
Memorial alongside State Road 67 south of Edwardsport
Photo by Nathan Pace

On Friday, WRV Superintendent Bob Hacker shared the passing of two WRV students due to a car crash that took place Friday morning in Knox County.

According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, a dump truck traveling south driven by Terry Fish of Linton collided with a compact SUV traveling north carrying Ethan Hayes, 17, of Switz City and Braiden Haton, 18, of Worthington on State Road 67 at approximately 7 a.m Friday. The crash occurred approximately two miles north of Bicknell

Police said Hayes crossed the center line and hit the dump truck head-on.

Hayes and Haton were both pronounced dead at the scene. Fish was not injured.

Hacker’s statement reads, “On behalf of the Board of Education, the faculty and staff of White River Valley Schools, and the student body, we are saddened to learn of the passing of two of our WRV High School senior students, Ethan Hayes and Braiden Haton, this morning in an automobile accident.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these two young men in this difficult time.

Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Counselors are available this afternoon at the high school. Being on a hybrid schedule, only half of our students are here in-person. Students who are not in attendance today may come to the school should they desire to meet with counselors. Counselors will also be available from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Sincerely, Dr. Bob Hacker, superintendent”

A GoFundMe has been set up for Braiden Haton to raise money for the memorial. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/braiden-hatons-memorial-fund. Just under $5,000 had been raised out of a $15,000 goal as of Monday night. Linton Walmart, where Braiden worked, is also collecting donations for his memorial at their service desk.

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  • So very sorry for the losses. Prayers being sent for all the families.

    -- Posted by HoosierGal on Fri, Dec 18, 2020, at 6:40 PM
  • I am the uncle of Braiden our whole family is experiencing a tough loss,this year has been a rough road on many people just does not seem right for any parent to go through this at any time.But with Gods love and prayer we can go on there has been a go fund me account set up for Braiden to help with funeral expenses if you are able anything would be greatly appreciated may Gods love abound in your life

    Hope everyone can have a Merry Christmas Sincerely Uncle Brian

    -- Posted by bredewega on Sun, Dec 20, 2020, at 6:41 AM
  • Praying for the family.

    -- Posted by lonetreellc on Mon, Dec 21, 2020, at 2:34 PM
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