BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man died early Sunday morning from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and Walnut Street.
Bloomington Police received a report of the accident at 12:45 a.m.
When officers arrived the force of the collision had ejected the driver of the motorcycle, a 34-year-old Bloomington man, and he was found lying on the roadway a few feet from the crashed motorcycle. He was taken to IU Health Bloomington Hospital where, despite lifesaving efforts, he passed away around 1:30 a.m., said BPD Captain Ryan Pedigo. Police have not released the driver’s name.
A Bloomington Police Department deconstructionist was called to the scene to assist in the investigation. According to police a red 2005 Honda motorcycle and a 2017 Hyundai sport utility vehicle were both traveling north on Walnut Street.
The driver of the Hyundai, a 52-year-old Bloomington man told investigators he was traveling north on Walnut Street in the far left lane and was in the process of turning west on Kirkwood Avenue when his vehicle was struck from behind by the motorcycle.
Police say witnesses at the scene reported hearing the motorcycle approach the intersection and advised it sounded like the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision.
The driver of the Hyundai did submit to a chemical test per state statute and was released after being interviewed by investigators. An autopsy for the motorcyclist was scheduled for Monday morning and investigators will await toxicology results which usually take several weeks to receive, added Captain Pedigo.
Excessive speed by the motorcyclist is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
