An Idaho man lost his life in a La Porte County crash Thursday afternoon.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department, a 2018 Subaru SUV driven by 37-year-old Benjamin E. Oudhuis, of Rolling Prairie, was eastbound on U.S. 20 and was stopped in the passing lane yielding to westbound U.S. 20 traffic when his vehicle was reportedly rear-ended.
Police say a 2012 Triumph Tiger motorcycle, driven by 24-year-old Erik S. Smith of Post Falls, Idaho, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 20 in the passing lane when he failed to slow down and crashed into the rear of Oudhuis’ vehicle.
A sheriff’s deputy was not far from the scene when the crash occurred and was able to respond quickly.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Oudhuis refused medical treatment at the scene, according to the report.
Toxicology test results are pending. The crash investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by La Porte County EMS, La Porte County Coroner’s Office, Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Barnes and Action Towing.
