A tragic incident occurred near the Indiana border as a bicyclist, identified as Austin Carter, 30, from Elkhart, Indiana, was fatally hit by a car. The collision took place last night, just before 9 p.m. on U.S. 12 near Garver Lake Road, as reported by WZZM13.
According to the MLive, Ontwa Township - Edwardsburg Police Department Chief Douglas Westrick, stated that Carter was traveling eastbound when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle driven by a 74-year-old Edwardsburg man. Following the incident, Carter was transported to an area hospital, where, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver involved in the crash was unharmed.
Investigative reports suggest that the bicyclist's dark clothing and the absence of reflectors or lights on his bicycle could have been contributing factors to the accident. Details from WNDU also included that the cyclist was hit from behind, signaling the possibility that the driver did not have an adequate view of Carter on the road.
Police are appealing to the public for any additional information regarding the fatal crash and are asking individuals to contact the Ontwa Township - Edwardsburg Police Department at 269-663-8444. The police effort has been supported by the Edwardsburg Fire Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police as they work to understand the full context of this unfortunate event.
