At approximately 9:23 a.m., a motorist in the area contacted 911 in reference to what appeared to be a single vehicle ORV accident involving an unresponsive male. Indiana Conservation Officers arrived on scene and began an investigation.
Preliminary investigation reveals the ORV was traveling east bound when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the south side of the roadway near 33880 Union Road and struck a tree along Beall Ditch. Officers arrived on scene and observed the crashed ORV and one unresponsive male. The St. Joseph County Coroner arrived on scene and pronounced the subject deceased.
The cause of the accident is still unknown at this time, as is the time of the death. There were no witnesses to the crash and evidence at the scene indicates the crash occurred prior to yesterday’s snowfall.
The victim was not wearing a helmet or proper safety equipment at the time of the crash. Indiana Conservation Officers stress safe operation of ORV’s and the use of proper protective equipment such as helmets.
The name of the victim is currently being withheld pending notification of immediate family members.