Monroe County Coroner Joani Stalcup has confirmed a third motorcyclist died in a crash Saturday morning.
Stalcup said a 52-year-old man, of Spencer, Ind., was found dead after an apparent crash on West Ind. 46 just east of County Line Rd. But the cause and manner of death are pending final autopsy results.
The Bloomingtonian has reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for more details on the crash investigation.
But, in two cases, the one Thursday night, and the one Sunday morning, the riders rear-ended vehicles. A Delaware man, not wearing a helmet, was fleeing the MCSO while traveling at a high rate of speed when he hit a car on Ind. 45 Thursday. In the crash Sunday morning, Bloomington Police Department Capt. Ryan Pedigo said the cyclist did not have a helmet, and excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.
Stalcup sent the following to the Bloomingtonian when asked Sunday about the third death:
“1st one was on 8/5/2021 at Dunlap and St. Rd. 45 just before midnight. He was pronounced on scene just after midnight on 8/6/21. The deceased was identified as Dennis Hicks, 27, from Delaware. Autopsy was scheduled for 08:00am in Terre Haute on Saturday 8/7/21. Cause and manner pending final autopsy results and toxicology.
2nd one was on 8/7/2021 on State Road 46 W, just east of County Line Rd. He was pronounced on scene and it appeared the accident had happened sometime during the night before or early morning hours. The deceased was identified as Charles Branam, 52 of Spencer, IN. Autopsy is scheduled for 8:00am Monday 8/9/21. Cause and manner of death are pending final autopsy results and toxicology.
3rd one was on 8/8/2021 at N. Walunt Street and Kirkwood Ave. He was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The deceased was identified as Jason Byers, 34 of Bloomington. Autopsy is scheduled for Monday, 8/9/21, at 10:00am. Cause and manner of death are pending final autopsy results and toxicology.”
