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Off Duty Officer Killed After Hitting Pothole On Motorcycle

Last updated on Tuesday, April 22, 2014

(UNDATED) - Marion County Sheriff John Layton says his “heart goes out” to the family of Deputy Eric Stofer.

Stofer was killed after hitting a pothole on his friend's motorcycle on Indy's southside around 7:30 Sunday evening.

Stofer was not wearing a helmet and Indiana State Police say the bike wound up on top of Stofer.

Sheriff Layton says it doesn't appear that speed or alcohol played a role in the crash, but they're awaiting an autopsy and toxicology results.

Stofer did have a valid motorcycle license, but authorities add he was not wearing a helmet.

Sheriff Layton says while deputies are required to wear helmets on duty, it's up to Hoosiers to determine for themselves whether or not to wear helmets. Indiana does not have a formal helmet law.

The sheriff says it's tough to say which may have played a larger role in Stofer's death, the lack of helmet, pothole or something else.

However, the sheriff adds that he himself hit a couple potholes Monday morning. DPW says crews recently patched potholes in that area.

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