BLOOMINGTON — An Evansville community is mourning the loss of a local husband and father of two who died following a motorized scooter accident in Bloomington over the weekend.
The Monroe County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 43-year-old Michael “Mikey” Lowell McKim passed away at IU Health Bloomington Hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash. According to authorities, McKim was operating a motorized scooter at the time of the incident.
News of McKim’s passing has sent shockwaves through his hometown, particularly in Haynie’s Corner Arts District, where friends and neighbors described him as an absolute staple of the community. Known for his warm presence, McKim was a deeply valued figure in the local neighborhood culture.
He is survived by his wife, Annie, and their two young children, Lily and Rory, whom family members described as his “greatest joy.”
Following the tragic news, an online Meal Train fundraiser was established on Sunday to support the McKim family with immediate meals and unexpected expenses. The community response was immediate and overwhelming; a starting goal of $5,000 was set on Sunday afternoon, but by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, donations had surged past $10,000 as friends, neighbors, and patrons rallied to support the grieving family.
Details regarding the exact cause of the crash, the location within Bloomington, and whether any other vehicles were involved have not yet been fully released by the Bloomington Police Department. The hospital’s ER and Critical Care teams were commended by the family for providing McKim with dignity and compassionate care in his final hours.
The tragedy once again shines a spotlight on motorized scooter safety in the college town. Bloomington has grappled with the safety regulations of electric and motorized scooters for several years following a string of severe and fatal accidents. The surge in micro-mobility traffic historically prompted the city to enact strict curfew hours and safety campaigns for motorized scooters, emphasizing the vulnerability of riders on mixed-use roadways.
Funeral services for McKim are scheduled to take place at the Pierre Funeral Home in Evansville on Wednesday, May 27, where community members will gather to honor his life.
