A nine-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle as he attempted to cross the highway shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 1,
The child was transported by air ambulance to Norton Children’s Hospital and sustained serious injuries.
Nathaniel R. Byler passed away later in the afternoon as a result of his injuries.
He was born February 17, 2014 in Paoli.
Nathaniel is survived by his parents, William and Rebecca Byler; paternal grandparents, William, Sr. and Rebecca Byler; maternal grandparents, Moses and Christine Schmidt; 4 brothers: Mose, Willis, Jonas, and Jesse Byler; and 6 sisters: Rachel Girod (Jacob), Edna Schwartz (Reuben), Lucy, Tina, Rebecca, and Joan Byler.
Byler had checked a mailbox on the east side of State Road 135 North and was crossing the highway to return home when he was struck.
The vehicle, a 2022 Lincoln Navigator, was operated by 81-year-old Fred Harrison of Medora, Indiana.
“This was a very unfortunate accident,” Sheriff Brent Miller said. “Our prayers are with all parties involved in this tragedy.”
S.R. 135 North was closed for about four hours following the accident.
Detective Brad Naugle is the lead investigator with assistance from Washington County EMS and members of the Jefferson and Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Departments.
An Indiana State Police accident reconstruction team was called to the scene to assist with the investigation, said Miller.
No charges have been filed and the accident remains under investigation at this time.
