Indiana State Police officials say that Trooper Dan Burkey’s preliminary investigation stated that shortly before 9:30 pm Tuesday night, Tyler Channing Szapkiw, 28, of Fremont, was operating a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle in the area of the 2200 block of West Orland Road at a high rate of speed.
Tyler failed to negotiate a curve in the road, ran off the roadway, and struck a utility pole. The force of the impact snapped the utility pole in half. Tyler was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Arriving officers found him to be unconscious and suffering from a serious head injury.
According to ISP, Steuben County EMS personnel arrived on the scene and provided initial medical assistance. Tyler was flown from the scene by Lutheran Air to a hospital in Fort Wayne, where he later succumbed to his fatal injuries. Immediate family has been notified. This remains an active investigation by the Indiana State Police.
Trooper Burkey was assisted at the scene by Angola Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Steuben Fire & EMS personnel, Steuben County Highway Department, Nipsco, and Countryside Towing.
SOURCE: Indiana State Police
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