Pedestrian killed while attempting to remove animal carcass from the road

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- A pedestrian was killed Friday evening while in the roadway removing the carcass of an animal on US 12 Friday evening, according to Michigan City Police.

At 10:09 p.m., dispatch received a call from a driver who said they hit a pedestrian in the 3500 block of E. US 12.

The first officer on scene located 57-year-old Raymond Gaston lying in the roadway unresponsive and began life saving measures. When EMS arrived on scene, they discovered Gaston had died from his injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed Gaston was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on US 12 while he was attempting to remove an animal carcass from the center of both eastbound lanes, reports said.

The driver involved, 20-year-old Parker DePalma was taken to the hospital for alcohol and drug testing, which is required by law when there is a serious injury crash.

DePalma was taken into custody on a preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated.

The investigation is ongoing.