RIPLEY COUNTY, IN — A two-vehicle crash on State Road 129 near Versailles shortly before 5 pm Thursday claimed the life of a motorcyclist from Jefferson County.
Indiana State Police troopers say a 2007 Kenworth pulling a trailer driven by 54-year-old Wayne Schmidt of Sunman was southbound on State Road 129 near Benham Road and slowed to turn left into a driveway.
A second vehicle behind Schmidt’s semi slowed to turn right.
A 2017 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 18-year-old Devon Lewis of Canaan was southbound on 129 behind the second vehicle and pulled out to pass both vehicles on the left side at the same time the semi driver began making the turn.
Lewis’ motorcycle hit the driver’s side of the semi while it was making the turn.
Lewis was ejected from the motorcycle as a result of the collision and was taken to Margaret Mary Health. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Schmidt was not injured.
State Police say alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash although toxicology results are pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post were assisted by the Indiana State Police-Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Ripley County EMS, the Versailles Fire Department, the Ripley County Coroner’s Office, and Affordable Todd’s Wrecker Service.
