Merrillville, IN (September 3, 2026) – A bicyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle near 61st Avenue and Interstate 65, Merrillville police said Friday.
Officers responded to the area around 10:50 p.m. Thursday after reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. When officers arrived, they found an injured bicyclist in the roadway. The bicyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where they later died, police said.
The vehicle involved in the crash remained at the scene. Parts of 61st Avenue were closed for several hours during the investigation. Police said it was not immediately clear what led up to the crash. The bicyclist’s identity has not been released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Timothy Michels with the Merrillville Police Department.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What to Do After a Fatal Bicycle Accident in Indiana
Can a family pursue a claim while the investigation is still open?
Yes. A civil claim does not have to wait for the police investigation to close. An attorney can start preserving evidence such as traffic camera footage, the involved vehicle’s data recorder, and witness accounts before those details disappear.
Who may be responsible for a bicyclist’s death?
Liability usually starts with the driver, but it is not automatic. Investigators and attorneys look at right-of-way, visibility at the time of the crash, whether the bicyclist had proper lighting, and whether road design near the interchange played a role.
Does it matter that the cause of the crash has not been released yet?
No. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning a family can still recover compensation as long as the bicyclist is found to be less than 51% at fault for the crash.
What can a wrongful death claim cover?
A spouse, child, or dependent may pursue compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of the person’s companionship and care.
What is the filing deadline?
Wrongful death claims in Indiana must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (IC 34-23-1-1). This crash happened September 3, 2026, which places the deadline at September 3, 2028.
Contact Our Indiana Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing someone on what should have been an ordinary bike ride home leaves a family with grief and no answers about what happened.
Our Indiana wrongful death lawyers have represented families across the state after fatal crashes involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users, working to identify every party who may share responsibility.
Traffic camera footage near an interstate interchange and a vehicle’s onboard data are not held indefinitely, so the sooner an attorney can request them, the better the chance they still exist when the case is built.
We take these cases on contingency, which means there is no upfront cost and nothing owed unless we recover for your family.
Why Indiana families trust Langer & Langer:
- Founded in 1980, over 45 years serving Indiana families
- 100+ years of combined legal experience
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers
Talk With an Indiana Wrongful Death Attorney at (219) 245-5881
