SALEM — Two serious motorcycle collisions in a span of less than 24 hours sent two local riders to an out-of-state trauma center via air ambulance, according to reports from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
The back-to-back incidents, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, forced emergency crews to manage high-impact scenes on two of the county’s busiest state corridors.
Tuesday: High-Impact Collision on State Road 60 West
The first accident occurred at approximately 4:06 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the intersection of State Road 60 West and Orchard Road.
According to lead investigating officer Sgt. Matt Hein, 49-year-old Robert Sparrow of Orleans, was operating a black Suzuki motorcycle eastbound on State Road 60. As Sparrow approached Orchard Road, a silver BMW passenger car driven by Evelyn Lloyd, 92, of Salem, pulled out from the intersection directly into his path.
Evidence at the scene indicates that Sparrow applied his brakes in a desperate attempt to avoid the vehicle. Unable to stop in time, the motorcycle slammed into the front driver’s side area of Lloyd’s BMW.
The force of the impact ejected Sparrow from the motorcycle. He struck the windshield of the BMW, went airborne over the roof of the car, and landed on the south shoulder of State Road 60 before rolling into the grass.
An air ambulance landed near the highway and flew Sparrow to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. Authorities stated his injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening. Lloyd refused medical treatment at the scene.
Sgt. Hein was assisted at the scene by Deputy Dylan Johnson, Animal Control Officer Mike Wimmer, and personnel from the Salem Police Department, Salem Fire Department, and Washington County Ambulance Service. The crash remains under active investigation.
Wednesday: Rear-End Crash on State Road 135 South
Less than 21 hours later, emergency services were called to a second critical motorcycle accident at 12:38 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. The crash occurred at the intersection of State Road 135 South and Old State Road 135 South.
Responding deputies found a blue 2009 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2021 Ford pickup truck blocking the southbound lane of State Road 135.
Physical evidence and driver statements gathered by lead investigator Det. Brad Naugle indicated that William Herron, 80, of Pekin, was traveling south on State Road 135 in the Ford truck. Herron had come to a stop in the roadway and was waiting to execute a left-hand turn onto Old State Road 135.
Donald Walker, 38, also of Pekin, was traveling southbound behind the truck on his Yamaha motorcycle. For reasons that are still unknown to investigators, Walker was unable to stop his motorcycle and collided violently with the rear end of Herron’s pickup.
The impact ejected Walker from the motorcycle, causing what first responders described as life-threatening injuries. An air ambulance was again dispatched to the scene, transporting Walker directly to the University of Louisville Hospital. Herron was uninjured and refused medical treatment.
Det. Naugle was assisted during the secondary incident by Sgt. Tory Hildreth, Lt. Wayne Blevins, the Salem Fire Department, and the Washington County Ambulance Service.
With summer weather bringing an influx of motorcycle traffic to southern Indiana highways, local authorities urge motorists to double-check intersections for oncoming riders and remind motorcyclists to maintain a safe following distance from slowing vehicles.
