A tragic incident unfolded early yesterday morning west of Sturgis, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist after a severe head-on collision. According to WOODTV, the crash occurred around 7 a.m. on US-12 near Shimmel Road in Sturgis Township, when a 32-year-old Sturgis man, while attempting to pass a passenger car and a semi-truck, struck an eastbound SUV head-on.
The fatal crash prompted the closing of US-12 for hours during the morning as authorities conducted their investigation. It was reported that speed and improper passing are considered to be factors in the collision, as stated by Michigan State Police. Attempting to pass, tragically, the motorcyclist died at the scene; he was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
The SUV driver, a 40-year-old White Pigeon woman, encountered only minor injuries and was utilizing her seat belt during the crash, as noted in a post by the Sturgis Journal. Alcohol and drugs were not considered by MSP to be factors in the accident, as further emphasized by an update from the MSP Fifth District, leading to a focus on the manner of driving of the motorcyclist involved.
Emergency crews, including the St Joseph County Sheriff's Department and LifeCare, were quick to respond to the scene. Described by emergency services, the thoroughfare was shut down for cleanup and the crash site's systematic processing followed. According to the MSP Fifth District, this incident remains open pending further investigation. The motorcyclist's identity has yet to be released to the public.
#FatalCrash
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) August 26, 2024
Marshall Post troopers are currently investigating a fatal traffic crash occurring today 8/26 around 7:00a.
Location of Incident: US 12 Hwy near Shimmel Rd
Sturgis Twp, St. Joseph County
Synopsis of Crash:
Preliminary investigation reveals that a motorcyclist was… pic.twitter.com/zgJ8pQsQXy
