Tippecanoe County, IN (May 16, 2026) – An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a collision involving a minivan on Friday evening at the intersection of CR 800 S and CR 200 E in Tippecanoe County.
According to officials, Cole Groshon was riding westbound on CR 800 S at about 6 p.m. when an eastbound minivan attempted to turn left in front of the motorcycle. The impact sent Groshon into a nearby ditch and caused fatal injuries.
Emergency units transported Groshon to IU Health Arnett Hospital, where he later died on Saturday. Authorities said both the motorcycle and the minivan caught fire following the crash.
The driver of the minivan, 85-year-old Patricia Harwood of Crawfordsville, and her passenger, 84-year-old Daniel Harwood, escaped the burning vehicle; both were taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Left-Turn Crashes Involving Motorcycles Can Be Severe
Motorcycle crashes involving turning vehicles often happen at intersections where drivers must judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic. Because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, they can sometimes be harder for drivers to notice before turning.
Investigators commonly review traffic direction, turning movements, and visibility conditions after these collisions. Vehicle damage and impact points may help determine how the crash unfolded and whether either vehicle had time to avoid the collision.
Fires can occasionally occur after serious crashes when fuel systems or vehicle components are damaged during impact. Investigators may also examine burn patterns and roadway evidence as part of the overall crash reconstruction process.
