Mishawaka, IN (October 24, 2026) – A motorcyclist died following a crash on McKinley Highway near Cedar Road at approximately 3 p.m. on October 24, according to St. Joseph County Police.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates the motorcyclist was traveling west on McKinley Highway when he lost control. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
McKinley Highway was closed while police investigated and has since reopened. The crash remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Should Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Mishawaka
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute’s Indiana Crash Facts 2024 reported 872 traffic deaths in Indiana in 2024, including 136 motorcyclists. A crash that involves one vehicle can still raise legal questions for a family.
- Ask St. Joseph County Police for the crash report number and the investigating officer’s contact, and ask that the motorcycle not be released or salvaged yet.
- Keep the helmet and riding gear exactly as they are, since investigators and insurers may want to examine them.
- Photograph the road surface, signs, and lighting where the crash happened. Police have said only that the rider lost control, so whether anything else played a part is not known.
- Send insurance calls to one person or to a lawyer, and avoid public posts about the crash.
- File on time. Wrongful death claims in Indiana must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (IC 34-23-1-1), which is October 24, 2028. The estate may also have a survival claim.
- Act sooner if a road condition is involved. A claim against a city, county, or town needs written notice within 180 days (IC 34-13-3-8), and a claim against the state within 270 days (IC 34-13-3-6). Counting from October 24, 2026, those dates are April 22, 2027 and July 21, 2027.
Langer & Langer Serves Riders and Families Across Indiana
Langer & Langer is based in Valparaiso and represents injured riders and grieving families throughout the state, including in St. Joseph County. When a rider dies, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Indiana look into every possible cause.
We handle insurance contact and records requests so the family is not left to manage them alone. Families can ask questions at their own pace, and nothing is required of them to start the conversation.
What Langer & Langer offers St. Joseph County families after a fatal motorcycle crash:
- Serving Indiana families since 1980
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience
- Steven L. Langer, former President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America
- Free consultation, no fee unless we win
Our office is at 4 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Call 219-245-5881 or reach us through our contact page.