Elwood, IN (May 26, 2026) – A 28-year-old Anderson man died after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of State Rd 37 and State Rd 128, south of Elwood in Madison County, on Sunday, May 25, at approximately 10:00 p.m. Noah Alberts was riding a 2006 Suzuki C50 eastbound on State Rd 128 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the side of a northbound 2015 GMC Sierra: he was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pickup truck was driven by Skylar D. Pete, 20, of Elwood. No injuries to Pete were mentioned in the initial report on the accident.
A crash reconstruction team is actively working to determine the full sequence of events, and additional findings are expected as the inquiry develops. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Noah Alberts.
What Role Does Helmet Use Play in Motorcycle Fatalities at Rural Intersections in Indiana?
Helmets are one of the most effective forms of protection available to motorcycle riders, and their absence significantly increases the risk of a fatal head injury in a crash. Studies consistently show that riders not wearing helmets are far more likely to die from head trauma than those who are properly equipped. In high-speed collisions, the head absorbs a disproportionate amount of force, and a helmet is often the only barrier between a rider and a fatal outcome.
Indiana does not require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets: only those under 18 are legally required to do so. This makes personal choice a major factor in rider safety on the state’s roads. Rural intersections with stop signs rather than traffic signals also carry elevated risk, as they rely entirely on a driver’s or rider’s decision to stop.
