Law enforcement is investigating a fatality involving a person lying in the roadway in Hancock County.

Just before 4 a.m., members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Cumberland Police Department responded to a welfare check concerning a report of a person laying in the roadway somewhere near U.S. 40 and Mt. Comfort Road. Officers began searching for the person both east and west on U.S. 40 from 600 West. There was dense fog in the area. The person was laying in the travel lanes of U.S. 40 about a half-mile east of 600 West and was struck by a Hancock County deputy searching the area.

The person struck is a 41-year-old male who was wearing dark clothing. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is not being released until the identity can be confirmed and his family notified.

The Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The team is comprised of officers from several agencies in Hancock County including the New Palestine Police Department.

The New Palestine Police Department is the primary agency investigation the incident, in conjunction with the Hancock County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.

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