Authorities have released the name of the pickup driver who died in a crash early Sunday morning on SR-23, just south of the Michigan state line.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department says 18 year-old James Reeder's pickup truck crossed into the path of the semi and the two vehicles collided. Reeder was killed in the crash.
Reeder was a senior at Lawrence High School and was scheduled to participate in graduation ceremonies Sunday afternoon.
The semi driver, a 43-year-old Troy Massey from Coloma, MI, suffered minor injuries. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
The crash ruptured the fuel tanks of the semi, and the truck's cab caught on fire. Though the tanker was loaded with 8000 gallons of fuel, it did not break, and did not catch on fire.
Investigators are still trying to figure out exactly why the crash happened. Toxicology tests are being run, but it could be some time before those results come back.
SR-23 between Adams Rd. and the state line was closed for several hours while crews cleaned up the accident.
