COLUMBUS, IN — A motorcyclist was thrown from his motorcycle after striking a deer on I-65 Northbound near the 62-mile marker in southern Bartholomew County early Monday morning. The motorcyclist was killed and a “Good Samaritan” was seriously injured when they were struck by a second vehicle.
The initial investigation by Trooper David Owsley, Indiana State Police-Versailles, indicated that shortly before 2 am, a 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was being driven by 34-year-old Marcus Grayson of Indianapolis struck a deer while traveling northbound on I-65 near the 62-mile marker. Grayson was injured in the crash and was lying in the roadway. Three witnesses stopped at the scene in an attempt to assist Grayson.
A 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by 50-year-old Todd M. Loquercio of Franklin Park, Illinois, and a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, driven by 43-year-old Jamila Jenkins-Newson of Indianapolis, both stopped in the northbound lanes of I-65. A 2013 Ford F-150 being driven by 37-year-old Adam K. Whyde of Beech Grove stopped on the shoulder of I-65.
A 1998 Peterbilt tractor pulling a trailer, driven by 45-year-old Lee H. Muller of Danville, Kentucky approached the scene while traveling northbound on I-65. Muller attempted to take evasive action to avoid the vehicles and pedestrians in the roadway. Muller’s vehicle struck Loquercio’s vehicle, Jenkins-Newson’s vehicle, and Grayson’s motorcycle. Muller’s vehicle also struck Grayson and Whyde, who were providing medical care to Grayson in the roadway.
Grayson sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office. Whyde sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was flown from the scene to an Indianapolis area hospital for treatment. Loquercio sustained minor injuries when he was struck by debris. He was treated for his injuries.
The investigation by Trooper Owsley and members of the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team is ongoing. Toxicology results are pending at this time.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Columbus Regional EMS, Bartholomew County Fire Departments, and the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office.
The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
(Indiana State Police/Sgt. Stephen Wheeles press release)
