Buda teen dies in crash

BUDA — An 18-year-old rural Buda teen died in a single-vehicle accident Monday evening south of Buda.

Bureau County Coroner Janice Wamhoff said Mark Baker was pronounced dead about 9 p.m. at Perry Memorial Hospital.

At this point, it is unclear if Baker was the driver of the vehicle or a passenger, Wamhoff said. The coroner did confirm there was one other person in the vehicle. That person was taken to Perry Memorial for treatment.

The coroner also said it is unclear if Baker was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. However, it does not appear road conditions were a factor. Toxicology tests will be conducted to see if any alcohol or drugs played a factor in the accident.

Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson said the roll-over accident happened on 925 North Ave., at 800 East St., about one mile west of Route 40.

Assisting at the scene were the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department, Buda Police, and Buda Fire and Ambulance.

Sheriff Deputy Gary Becket is trained as an accident site reconstructionist and is further investigating the accident, Thompson said.

Like Wamhoff, the sheriff also confirmed there was another person in the vehicle, a 17-year-old Buda teen, who was taken to Perry Memorial Hospital for treatment. The name of that person is not yet being released at this time.

An inquest is pending into Baker’s death.