Two Salem High School students in Washington County died after their car hit a tree and caught fire on Tuesday morning.
The Washington County Coroner and police were reluctant to release the names officially although they had been named on social media as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
Coroner Rondale Brishaber has identified the driver as Joel Clay Reeves, 17, Salem. His passenger was Samuel Levi Holstine, 18, Campbellsburg.
The pair were pronounced dead after the truck they were riding in crashed into a tree and caught fire. The two were pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Coroner’s office.
According to a media release, police were dispatched to a car on fire at 3:59 a.m. on July 1.
Emergency crews found a 1995 Ford Ranger on State Road 160, about five miles outside of Salem. The vehicle was owned by Reeve’s mother, Joella Reeves.
The Ford ran off the left side of the road and hit a tree causing it to catch fire.
The crash is under investigation.
A group of students, friends and family gathered Wednesday night at CenterPeace to have a candlelight vigil.
Reeve’s funeral arrangements are being handled by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home.
Reeve’s memorial service will be at 11:30 AM Sunday July 6, 2014 at the Mt. Hebron Church east of Salem. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service at the church.
Rodney Sweeney will officiate.
Survivors include: father, David Clay Reeves; mother, Joella Reeves; 2 sisters, Kim Hobson, and Keri Arthur.
Online expressions: www.hughestaylor.netStay tuned to WSLM RADIO for more details on the accident.
