Benton Township, IN (September 7, 2026) – Two Ligonier residents died Saturday night, September 5, after a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV at the intersection of State Road 13 and County Road 148, according to authorities. Both riders on the motorcycle were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said a Nissan Rogue was traveling south on State Road 13 approaching the intersection as the motorcycle slowed or had stopped to turn west onto County Road 148. The SUV reportedly struck the rear of the motorcycle, throwing the riders off the west side of the road into a field. The SUV continued south before it also left the roadway and came to a stop in a nearby field, according to the sheriff’s office.
The driver of the Nissan Rogue was taken to a Goshen hospital for a blood draw as part of the investigation and reportedly did not complain of any injuries. The motorcycle’s driver, 64, and passenger, 58, both suffered fatal injuries, authorities said. Their identities have not been formally released beyond their hometown of Ligonier.
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigations Team is continuing to investigate the crash. No further details on potential charges or contributing factors have been released.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
How Investigators Piece Together a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A fatal crash scene rarely gives up its full story right away. Crash investigators typically spend hours measuring skid marks, debris fields, and final resting positions of the vehicles before anything is moved, since those details help reconstruct speed, timing, and points of impact after the fact.
Toxicology results, when a blood draw is involved, often take weeks to come back from a state lab, and a final written report can lag even further behind as investigators cross-check mechanical inspections, witness statements, and any available video. Names of those killed are usually withheld until the coroner’s office confirms identity and next of kin have been notified, a step that protects grieving families from learning the news secondhand.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That scale of injury nationwide is part of why agencies build out dedicated crash reconstruction teams rather than relying on a single reporting officer to close out a case quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
If possible, move to safety, call 911, and avoid removing safety gear before medical personnel arrive, since gear can sometimes stabilize an injury. Seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask pain from internal or soft-tissue injuries.
Do motorcycle crashes happen more often at intersections?
Intersections are a common site for motorcycle collisions, particularly when a following or turning vehicle misjudges a motorcycle’s speed or stopping distance. Rear-end and left-turn crashes are especially frequent in these settings.
Does road surface play a role in motorcycle safety?
Yes. Loose gravel, uneven pavement, and field or shoulder terrain can affect a motorcycle’s stability far more than it would a passenger vehicle, especially if a rider is thrown from the bike during a collision.
What protective gear helps reduce injury severity for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, and over-the-ankle boots are generally recommended, since they can reduce the severity of head and road-rash injuries in a crash.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Benton Township, Indiana
If you or someone you know is involved in a motorcycle crash in this area, prioritize getting checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel able to walk away. Document what you can, including photos of the scene and any contact information for witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it becomes available. Give investigators time to complete their work, and lean on local support resources or grief counseling services if you’re processing the loss of someone close to you.
