Amanda Ludwig, an 18-year-old IU freshman from Hebron, Ky., and her mother Elaine Ludwig, 59, died in a car accident at about 11:40 a.m. Saturday, according to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.
Amanda and Elaine were traveling westbound in a Pontiac Grand Prix on I-275, just outside of Cincinnati, according to a BCSD press ?release.
The Pontiac came to a complete stop in the right lane. A semi driver behind them swerved to his left and avoided a collision, but another semi behind him was unable to avoid the car and ran into the rear of the Pontiac, according to the release.
The impact caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Amanda and Elaine died as a result of the impact and fire, but Boone County Deputy Coroner Missy Rittinger said she could not confirm the cause of death, and it is still under investigation.
The driver of the semi, Ronnie York, 63, of Greenwood, Ind., was reportedly uninjured. His tractor trailer was hauling general freight, ?according to the release.
Amanda and Elaine are survived by Jay Ludwig, Amanda’s father, ?Rittinger said.
Because of damage from the impact and fire, a bridge inspector was called in to examine the structure, according to the release. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit is investigating the collision.
If you knew Amanda and would like to talk to us for a memorial piece, send an email to ?campus@idsnews.com.
Suzanne Grossman
