13-year-old from Georgia killed in Howard County crash

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. -- An investigation is underway after a 13-year-old was killed in a fatal crash involving a pickup truck and a moped in Howard County on Thursday afternoon. Deputies with the Howard County Sheriff's Office responded around 1:51 p.m. to the intersection of CR 750 West and CR North/South after receiving reports that a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle had occurred in the area. HCSO said deputies arrived on the scene and discovered a black 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 and a red and black Zuma moped that had been involved in the collision. The moped was operated by 13-year-old Evan Lee Shaffer of Macon, Georgia. HCSO confirmed Shaffer was pronounced dead at the scene as they worked to learn about the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. At this time, preliminary information indicates that the Dodge Ram 2500 was heading southbound on CR 750 West when the moped reportedly collided with the vehicle in the intersection. The driver of the Dodge Ram was brought to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo and agreed to take a blood draw, which is standard protocol following any reported crash. As of this article's publication, it remains unclear if detectives believe alcohol or drugs played any role in the crash. An autopsy for Shaffer is scheduled to take place on Friday. The cause and manner of death will be released at a later time alongside the toxicology results. The cause of the fatal accident remains under active investigation.