Texting motorcyclist dies in Indiana

Ron Wilkins

(Lafayette, Ind.) Journal and Courier

Southbound traffic was at a standstill July 30, 2015, after a motorcyclist had a wreck while texting on Interstate 65 about 40 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ind. — A motorcyclist died while texting on Interstate 65 between Lafayette and Indianapolis, police said Friday.

Brandon R. McClain, 43, of Indianapolis was riding his motorcycle southbound in the left lane of the interstate at around 3:45 p.m. Thursday when he drove into the grassy median about 40 miles northwest of Indianapolis. He lost control of the bike when he overcorrected in an attempt to get back onto the roadway, according to Indiana State Police.

"I can't go into how we knew he was texting or was in the process of texting" because the investigation is ongoing, Sgt. Kim Riley said.

McClain was not wearing a helmet. Both directions on I-65 between mile markers 150 and 155 were closed for about 90 minutes Thursday as a helicopter landed to airlift him to St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis where he later died.

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