Two brothers from Newton died in an early morning roll-over accident just southwest of Newton. Jasper County Sheriff, Mike Balmer says they were called around 4:45 to the accident about two miles west of the Newton landfill.

Balmer says the driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Joey Stoner of Newton had walked to a home and called for help after his truck went into a ditch and struck a utility pole. Two passengers in the vehicle, 14-year-old Dakota and 16-year-old David Stattleman died in the accident. Stoner was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Newton Superintendent, Steve McDermott, says the school is dealing with the deaths. He says their hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of those involved. “It’s just always a tragedy to see a loss of life at such young ages,” McDermott.

The superintendent says they have counselors available to meet with students who need them. McDermott says they will help the kids just as long as they need help and at this point will use people from their own staff that know the kids involved. No charges have been filed at this time.

By Randy Van, KCOB, Newton