The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at around 9:24 p.m. local time on West U.S. 12 and Red Arrow Highway. Police say the incident, which was not reported when it occurred, was brought to their attention by an observant off-duty BCSO deputy who noticed a motorcycle on its side adjacent to a parking lot, well off the roadway. Recognizing the suspicious nature of the situation, the off-duty deputy contacted an on-duty deputy who went to the scene to investigate.
Upon arriving at the location, the on-duty deputy discovered a downed rider in a grassy area and immediately initiated emergency medical treatment and requested an ambulance. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the rider died from his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation at the scene suggest that this was a single-vehicle crash at the T-intersection of West U.S. 12 and Red Arrow Highway. Police say the motorcyclist left the roadway and collided with a traffic sign adjacent to the road.
“The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Accident Investigation Unit in conjunction with WMed Office of the Medical Examiner is diligently working on a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this incident, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office said. “If anyone witnessed this crash occur please contact the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.”
The name of the victim is being withheld until next-of-kin notification has been made.
Police say the motorcyclist was a 45-year-old man from Edwardsburg, MI.