Spencer teen dies after car accident

A Spencer, Ind. teen died early Thursday morning after his car crossed the center line, struck a utility pole on the opposite side of the road and caught fire.

Carl W. Deckard, 19, was traveling with four passengers after leaving a residence on the 1300 block of West 12th Street, said Chief Deputy Scott Mellinger of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. A call was made at 2:05 a.m. reporting the accident at the 3800 block of West Woodyard Road. Deckard was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four other passengers were also involved in the crash: Josh Taylor, 19; Stephanie Pickard, 26; Kendra Reed, 27; and one juvenile. Several reported possible broken bones, but no other serious injuries were sustained.

Statements from the passengers and confirmation from the accident reconstructionist said the vehicle had to have been traveling at a high speed before striking the utility pole. Blood tests are pending from Bloomington Hospital to determine whether alcohol was involved in the accident.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the crash.