LAWRENCE (WKZO) -- Another teen on the threshold of adult life has seen that life cut short in a traffic crash. 18-year-old James Reeder of Lawrence was set to Graduate Sunday afternoon with the 47 others in the Class of 2012.

Just hours before, at about 4AM he was killed when he crashed head on into a Semi- tanker carrying 8-thousand gallons of gasoline along State Road 23 just south of the Michigan Border.

Deputies say it appears he crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into the semi. Toxicology tests are being done.

The cab of the semi caught fire but the tanker did not. The truck driver, 43-year-old Troy Massey of Coloma, jumped out of the cab and was treated for minor injuries. Reeder died in his pickup.

Reeder was a popular multi-sport athlete at Lawrence High who was also a member of the National Honor Society. He received a standing ovation at Sunday's Graduation Ceremony when his name was read. He had planned to attend classes at WMU this fall.