Williamsburg, IN – A motorcycle passenger from Illinois was killed Monday evening in a collision involving a flatbed trailer in Wayne County.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 5 p.m. to the intersection of North U.S. 35 and Sycamore Street. Investigators said a northbound Ford F-550 pulling a trailer, driven by 71-year-old Joseph Riggs of Economy, was turning west onto Sycamore when it was struck by a motorcycle.
The motorcycle was operated by Shane Johnson, 43, of Ottawa, Illinois, with passenger Kelly Rick, 41, also of Ottawa. Authorities said the motorcycle allegedly attempted to pass the truck in a no-passing zone as the vehicle was turning. The motorcycle collided with the trailer, causing Rick to suffer fatal injuries.
Bystanders reportedly attempted life-saving efforts before emergency crews arrived, but Rick was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Johnson and Riggs were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office credited Wayne County Dispatch, Reid Health EMS, the Williamsburg Fire Department, the Fountain City Fire Department and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office for their coordinated response.
Authorities said the crash remains under investigation pending toxicology results.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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