Jac-Cen-Del Student Dies In Crash

(Ripley County, Ind.) - A Jac-Cen-Del High School student and standout athlete died in a car accident Friday night in Ripley County.

Emily Huntington, 18, of Osgood, was driving a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van northbound on County Road 200 West near County Road 100 North at about 8:15 p.m.

Indiana State Police troopers say it appeared Huntington failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle went off the roadway. The van overturned in a field and Huntington was ejected.

The teen was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner Ron Buchanan.

A passenger, Brooke Gilland, 19, of Osgood, was wearing a seatbelt and did not appear to suffer any injuries, troopers said.

The accident may be to blame on texting while driving. Gilland told investigators that Huntington was sending text messages prior to the crash and troopers found her cell phone which included an incomplete text message

The crash remains under investigation by the Ripley County Coroner's Office, Indiana State Police, and the Ripley County Sheriff's Office. Versailles Fire Department and Rescue 69 assisted at the scene.

Huntington was a popular senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School in Osgood. She was the Lady Eagles basketball team's leading scorer at 11.5 points per game. She was named an Eagle 99.3 Co-Athlete of the Week with teammate Megan Hughes on November 16.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Huntington was to play for the Jac-Cen-Del basketball team in the upcoming Ripley County Tournament. High school athletic director Mark Meyer said the tournament that was scheduled to begin on Tuesday has been moved to Friday, January 6 with the second round games being played Monday, January 9.