Friends and family of Michael C. Keener are mourning his loss today after he succumbed to injuries sustained from being hit by a car. (See related)

Keener, 22, of Warsaw, was walking in the 3300 block of North 150 West near Leesburg in the predawn hours on Wednesday morning when he was struck by a Jeep Liberty driven by Darrell E. Young, 46, also of Warsaw. Keener passed away in Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team of investigators, Keener was walking southbound on CR 150 West. Young, who was also southbound, said he did not see Keener until the very last minute due to the predominantly dark clothing that Keener was wearing. Young swerved in an attempt to avoid Keener, and also collided with a utility pole. Young was not injured.

Officers say the crash is still under investigation.