A Walkerton man was airlifted to a South Bend hospital Sunday evening after his motorcycle collided with a deer on a rural Marshall County road, according to a crash report released by the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:33 p.m. on Sunday, on Thorn Road south of 3B Road. According to Deputy Hafke's report, John J. Griffin, 67, was traveling northbound on Thorn Road when a deer suddenly ran in front of his 2009 Yamaha motorcycle. Griffin was unable to avoid the collision, struck the deer, and was ejected from the motorcycle.
Griffin was transported by Lutheran Air helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. His current condition has not been released.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, Walkerton Police Department, Polk Township Fire Department, and Walkerton EMS.
Deer-vehicle collisions are common in Marshall County, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active. Motorists are reminded to remain alert for wildlife crossing roadways, especially on rural roads.
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