A Devastating Loss for the Community
On Saturday evening around 10 pm, a fatal car accident occurred on South Main Street just north of County Road 300 South in Tipton, Indiana, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Jaxson K. Schooley of Westfield. Schooley, a junior at Sheridan High School, was pronounced dead at the scene according to Indiana State Police Sergeant Tony Glass.
The crash involved a northbound 2010 Dodge Challenger that crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2012 Volkswagen that was also traveling northbound. Schooley was seated in the front passenger seat of the Volkswagen at the time of the accident.
Both drivers, 17-year-old Cory C. Schooley of Westfield who was driving the Volkswagen, and 19-year-old Harrison M. Schwinn of Anderson who was driving the Challenger, were airlifted by Samaritan Air to local hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, said Sgt. Glass.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the Challenger to cross the center line, but they do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash, authorities said. The investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
A Popular Student Taken Too Soon
Jaxson's status as a student at Sheridan High School was confirmed by both Indiana State Police and a spokesperson for Sheridan Community Schools. The school district is grieving the loss of Jaxson, according to Superintendent David Mundy.
“This loss is devastating not only to our school but to the Sheridan and Westfield communities as a whole,” Mundy said in a statement following the tragedy. “Jaxson was an amazing young man and he will be sorely missed by all of us.”
According to Superintendent Mundy, counselors and support teams will be available for anyone in need of assistance. “Jaxson was an incredible young man, and we are going to miss him very much,” he said.
An Outpouring of Support
Superintendent Mundy released the following full statement regarding the tragic loss of one of their students:
“The students and staff at Sheridan Community Schools are grieving the loss of one of our students, Jaxson Schooley, who was slated to graduate with the Class of 2025. This loss is devastating not only to our school, but also to the Sheridan and Westfield communities as a whole.
Jaxson was a remarkable young man, and his presence in our lives will be sorely missed. Since learning of this unexpected loss, the administration of the school has been working diligently to provide support for our students and staff. Throughout today, counselors and support teams will be available to anyone who may need them, and they will remain in place for as long as required.
We will keep Jaxson’s family and friends in our thoughts, as well as the other families whose lives have been changed by this tragedy. On behalf of SCS, I want to offer our deepest thanks for the outreach and support that has been extended to us.”
A Life Cut Short
Jaxson K. Schooley was just 16 years old at the time of his tragic death in the car accident on Saturday night. He was a junior at Sheridan High School, where he was known as a popular student with a bright future ahead of him. Students, teachers, and community members in Sheridan and Westfield are grieving the devastating loss of this young life gone far too soon.
While questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the fatal collision, the focus now is on mourning Jaxson and supporting his family, friends, and the entire community impacted by this sudden tragedy. Superintendent Mundy said it best when describing Jaxson as an “amazing young man” who will leave a hole in the lives of those who knew him.
Counseling services are available for students and faculty as Sheridan High School copes with this heartbreaking loss. The school and larger community will cherish the memories of Jaxson Schooley, grieving his death while celebrating his life and impact on those around him. Though his time was cut short, Jaxson clearly lived his young life to the fullest and leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories.
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