NEDERLAND — The speed limit on the stretch of U.S. 69 where Hayden Werner was struck and killed is high — 75 mph.

And there’s a little over a mile between the overpass at Spurlock Road to the one at Nederland Avenue. This doesn’t leave much braking time for vehicles going down the busy highway.

Werner and another male, both 15, were trying to cross the highway in the 2000 block of U.S. 69 when Werner was struck at approximately 7:16 p.m. Friday.

Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter said the teen had already crossed the northbound lane going west across the highway and was about to cross the other side when he was hit by an SUV and killed.

Each side of the highway has two lanes with a concrete barrier separating the northbound and southbound sides.

The driver of the vehicle was thought to have left the scene but returned to the scene voluntarily. The second juvenile was unharmed and released to parents on scene.

“That is a dangerous piece of the highway,” Porter said. “It’s dark. The speed limit is 75. There are multiple overpasses and multiple on and off ramps and there are other vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed because the speed limit is 75 mph. My opinion is that is way too high of a speed limit for that section of highway. We have had a lot of wrecks and had a fatality in almost exactly the same location several years ago.”

Porter said motorists coming off the overpass traveling at 75 mph or a little higher don’t have much time to brake if they come over the crest and see a stalled vehicle.

No charges were filed as of Monday and the crash is currently under investigation. Porter said police would look at evidence and toxicology when it comes back and if criminal charges are appropriate, they will be filed.

The highway was temporarily shut down while officers and investigators processed the scene.

“For families, this is every parent’s nightmare,” Porter said. “We feel terrible for them and our prayers go out to them. Something like this is difficult for our officers. It takes a mental toll to see our youth killed.”

Werner had previously attended C. O. Wilson Middle School but was being home schooled at the time of his death. He had not attended Nederland High School.

An employee with Nederland High School said there are counselors available for students who may be grieving as well as counselors with Communities in Schools who work with students in situations such as this. In addition, there is a school resource officer who is also available for students to speak with.