By Crash News Writer 
Muncie, IN (April 5, 2025) – A beloved Muncie elementary school teacher was tragically killed early Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle during her routine bike ride in northern Delaware County.
According to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 6:10 a.m. on Walnut Street, just south of County Road 1000 North. Jen Southerland, 55, an educator at Cowan Elementary School and well-known fitness enthusiast, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Southerland, an experienced cyclist, was riding her bicycle when she was hit from behind by a Toyota Corolla Cross driven by a 72-year-old local woman. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement, per a department news release.
Southerland was not only a dedicated teacher but also an avid runner and swimmer, well known in the local fitness community for her passion and discipline.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.