A deadly crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 421 and School Road in Wanatah on Saturday left one motorcyclist dead and three others in the hospital after a northbound car struck two motorcycles in quick succession. Emergency crews airlifted one rider to South Bend and rushed the others to nearby hospitals while deputies shut down the area and worked the scene. Local volunteer fire and EMS units helped secure the roadway as investigators documented the wreckage and collected evidence.
What Officers Say
According to a Facebook post from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, a northbound 2005 Mazda driven by 19-year-old Daniel Quiroz of Portage rear-ended a 2021 Harley-Davidson ridden by 42-year-old Ryan Harrison of Clarks Hill, throwing Harrison and his 41-year-old passenger from the bike. Investigators say the Mazda then continued north and hit a second motorcycle, a 2006 Harley-Davidson operated by 42-year-old Levi Bridges and his passenger. The sheriff's office said deputies were assisted at the scene by La Porte County EMS, the Cass‑Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Westville Police and the St. Joseph County Coroner's Office.
Victims and Hospitals
Local outlets reported that Harrison and his passenger were airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where Harrison died the following day. The driver and passenger of the second motorcycle were taken to Franciscan Health Michigan City for treatment, as reported by ABC57. Authorities identified the Mazda driver as 19-year-old Daniel Quiroz and said toxicology results are pending as the investigation continues.
Investigation and How to Help
The crash remains under investigation, and officials have said toxicology testing and vehicle inspections are pending, according to WNDU. Investigators are asking anyone with video or information about the collision to contact Detective Derrick Deck at the email address [email protected] or by phone at 219-326-7700 ext. 2413, as noted in the sheriff's post. The sheriff's office also listed Sgt. Ryan Elcock and deputies Austin Howell, Sawyer Laffoon and Adam Needles among the responders at the scene.
