By Herald Staff

DALE — A Jasper man was killed Tuesday on Interstate 64 near Dale after exiting his vehicle and entering lanes of traffic.

The Indiana State Police are currently investigating the fatal crash that occurred around 1:50 p.m. ET.

Preliminary investigation revealed Charles D. Copeland, 46, of Evansville, was driving a 2014 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer westbound on Interstate 64 near the 55-mile marker. Copeland was traveling in the right lane of Interstate 64 and was merging into the passing lane when his vehicle struck an adult male.

The male, identified as Gerald W. Kluemper, 67, of Jasper, had parked his vehicle on the shoulder of the interstate, exited his vehicle and entered the lanes of traffic. Kluemper was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and will include Indiana State Police Crash Reconstructionist and Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Division.

Assisting Agencies are: Spencer County Sheriff's Office, Dale Police Department, Spencer County Coroner's Office, and local fire and rescue.