MICHIGAN — A 31-year-old man was killed Saturday night when his dirt bike collided with a train at an active railroad crossing, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the scene at 9:27 p.m. on Sterns Road, west of Suder Road, where a northbound Norfolk Southern train was passing through a crossing equipped with activated gates, flashing lights, and warning bells.
Investigators said Jacob A. Buchele of Erie was riding a red and blue 2022 Honda CRF-250 dirt bike westbound when he went left of center and attempted to ride around the crossing gate on the east side.
Buchele was unable to stop in time and struck the right side of the train’s engine, throwing him from the bike.
Buchele and the dirt bike came to rest on the east side of the tracks. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was wearing a helmet, and alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash.
The train’s emergency brakes were engaged, and it came to a controlled stop following the collision.
The Norfolk Southern Railroad Police, Monroe Community Ambulance, and members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit and Chaplain Program assisted at the scene.
The incident is being investigated by Lt. Brian Quinn and Deputies Cody Carena and Hunter Chirillo of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7548 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or online at 1800speakup.org.
