Press Release
CHURUBUSCO — At the request of the Noble County Sheriff, crash investigators from the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post were called to investigate a fatal motorcycle crash in Churubusco on Thursday, June 6.
Kyle James Garrett, 37, Albion, sustained fatal injuries in the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Whitley County Coroner.
Prior to the crash, around 7:16 p.m. June 6, it was reported that an officer with the Noble County Sheriff’s Department was pursuing Garrett south on CR 900E in Whitley County, headed toward Churubusco. The pursuing officer had terminated his pursuit prior to coming into the town of Churubusco, but Garrett continued south on US 33 from Line Street at a high rate of speed.
According to the preliminary crash investigation, about 10 minutes later, Garrett was driving a 2022 Kawasaki ER6 café-style motorcycle south on US 33 at a high rate of speed when he failed to avoid a Jeep SUV that was stopped in the center turn lane on South Main Street near McCoy Avenue. The Jeep’s driver was waiting to turn left into a business parking lot.
The motorcycle impacted the Jeep’s rear and then burst into flames. The Jeep’s driver, Lance Wilson, 37, Fort Wayne, and three passengers in his vehicle were all uninjured.
Speed was the primary factor. The investigation has not yet revealed whether alcohol or drugs were involved. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Whitley County Coroner’s Office.
Family notifications have been made.
This is an ongoing crash investigation. There is no further information to be released at this time.
ISP was assisted at the scene by the Churubusco Police, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Churubusco Smith Township Fire Department, Parkview EMS, Parkview Samaritan, the Whitley County Coroner, and Leatherman’s Towing.
