A 45-year-old Niles man died following a motorcycle crash involving a minivan on US-12 in New Buffalo Township.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on July 16 at the intersection of West US-12 and Lubke Road. Authorities said the motorcyclist, who was waiting to turn left, was nearly stopped with his turn signal activated when a 39-year-old woman from Sedalia, Missouri, failed to notice and struck him from behind. The impact ejected the rider and caused the minivan to cross into the eastbound lanes, colliding with another vehicle.
First responders provided medical aid at the scene and transported the motorcyclist to Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His identity has not been released pending family notification. The minivan driver sustained minor injuries but declined further medical treatment, while the other driver involved was unharmed. Authorities indicated that drugs and alcohol do not appear to have contributed to the crash, and the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time.
US-12 was closed in both directions for approximately two hours as the incident was investigated. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the crash.