A Lake Station teen’s death was ruled an accident Monday after he drowned in a river following a crash last month.
Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, 18, died from asphyxia, or being unable to breathe. The drowning was “complicated with hypothermia” with evidence of “blunt force trauma” to his head from a crash, the Lake County Coroner’s office said in a statement.
Police said after the March 22 crash that the driver, believed to be 17, was taken into custody. He was placed in juvenile detention.
The Post-Tribune is not naming him because he is a minor.
Family members previously said Rodrigo received a ride home from an acquaintance after a gathering.
The incident unfolded when Lake Station police found a black pickup truck about 4:20 a.m. submerged in the river near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street. No one was inside.
Saul Montes, his brother, said he learned Rodrigo’s friend, who was bringing him home, left the scene and went home after the crash.
He said the friend had a broken nose and bruises but declined to talk to the family.
A Lake County Prosecutor’s Spokeswoman declined comment Monday, saying it was an ongoing investigation.
In the past, they have charged others for leaving the scene of fatal crashes.
Carole Carlson contributed.
