Motorcyclist killed after crash with Ford Explorer

FARMINGTON HILLS — A 32-year-old Redford Township resident was killed after his motorcycle was involved in a crash with a Ford Explorer June 18.

The crash reportedly occurred  at approximately 10 p.m. near the intersection of Eight Mile Road and Grand River Avenue.

According to a press release, after arriving at the scene, Farmington Hills police officers rendered aid until firefighter/paramedics from the Fire Department arrived.

The motorcycle rider died at Corewell Hospital in Farmington Hills after being transported to the facility.

The driver of the Ford Explorer was identified as a 21-year-old male resident of Novi.

He reportedly cooperated with investigators and was released from the scene pending further investigation.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to have been a factor in the crash.

The investigation revealed that the motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Although in this case, Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said that an investigation is ongoing, from his experience as a traffic investigator, he shared his observations of some of the common reasons for motorcycle-related injuries.

“In a majority, not all, but in a majority of motorcycle-related serious-injury accidents or fatalities, the crash investigations revealed lack of a helmet, lack of wearing proper safety gear and elevated speeds,” King said.

Although King said that, “We didn’t find that at this time,” when asked about elevated speeds, he did confirm that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.

He also reiterated that an investigation is ongoing.