Kansas man killed on Interstate 70 in Clay County Monday

BRAZIL — A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70 in Clay County on Christmas night.

On Thursday, the Indiana State Police announced that the deceased man was Fredy Romas Escobar, 33, Kansas City, Kan.

At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 25, Indiana State Police from the Putnamville Post and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a pedestrian being struck on I-70 westbound near the 22-mile marker. This area is just west of the State Road 59/Brazil exit.

Police were originally dispatched to the area in the westbound lanes in reference to a pedestrian walking on the Interstate for an unknown reason. However, before troopers arrived on scene, there was a second 911 call reference to a pedestrian being struck.

The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled over and called 911, fully cooperating with the investigation. 

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Athan Lamson revealed that Escobar was walking in the passing lane when he was struck by a passenger vehicle. There were no other injuries to report.

The Clay County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and recover the remains of the deceased. The investigation is ongoing.

Angencies responding to the incident include troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Posey Volunteer Fire Department and the Clay County Coroner’s Office.