By Susan Bryant

sbryant@tnonline.com

A 16-year-old Northwestern student from Heidelberg Township has died from injuries he sustained after falling from the back of a truck around 7:10 p.m. June 24 in the area of Leaser Road at Follweiler Court, Lynn Township.

According to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, Tucker J. Wessner was pronounced dead 11:42 p.m. July 16 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Buglio said an autopsy was completed on July 18. The cause and manner of Wessner’s death are pending further investigation.

According to State Police Troop M, Fogelsville, on June 24, both Wessner and a 17-year-old male were riding on the tailgate of a 2011 Toyota Tundra, operated by a 17-year-old male along with an 18-year-old male in the front passenger seat.

As the truck was traveling southbound on Leaser Road and made a left turn onto Follweiler Court, Wessner fell off the truck and struck the ground.

Police say the occupants of the truck attempted to render medical assistance at the scene.

Cetronia Ambulance transported Wessner to Lehigh Valley Hospital for his injuries.

This crash remains under investigation by State Police Troop M, Fogelsville, Patrol Unit, police say.

In addition to the coroner’s office, the State Police Troop M Forensic Services Unit, and Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office are assisting in this investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or seen the vehicle before the crash is asked to call state police at 610-395-1438 and refer to Incident No. PA24-935379.