A Knox High School student was killed in a single vehicle accident late Monday night.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department said that 17-year-old Andrew “Drew” Shearin was traveling eastbound on State Road 8 when for some unknown reason, his vehicle left the roadway and struck a NIPSCO utility pole. The accident occurred just east of the Yellow River Bridge. Starke County Sheriff’s Department officers and Washington Township Fire Department personnel found him trapped in the vehicle and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Starke County EMS and the Knox City Police Department assisted at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and the Starke County Coroner’s Office.
The news of Shearin’s death has shocked and saddened the community and the students at the Knox Community School Corporation. Superintendent A.J. Gappa released this statement:
“This morning, the Knox Community Schools were informed of the untimely and tragic death of Andrew Shearin, an 11th grade student, at Knox High School. He was one of our Drum Majors and a very popular student amongst his peers at Knox High School. He participated in many musicals and plays throughout his high school career. The High School is currently working with students and staff regarding this loss. We had additional support staff from local churches and a crisis team from Plymouth High School at the High School this morning to work with students that need support throughout the day with this situation. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family for their tragic loss. Knox Community Schools will continue to work with students, staff and the community regarding this loss.”
Drew Shearin was a composer of music as well. In March of this year, his original composition, “Uncertainty” was performed by the Lafayette Jefferson’s top Wind Ensemble which received a two minute standing ovation. For that piece, he received the Indiana Music Educators Association Young Composers Competition Concert Band Class Award and he received the award at the IMEA State Convention.
The Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel will be handling funeral arrangements.
