According to a press release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday August 3rd, 2025, at approximately 8:42am, The Starke County Dispatch center received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident on SR 23 north of CR 500 N. in the Grovertown area.
When Starke County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, they discovered a 2015 Nissan Altima, being driven by Maria Canelo of Walkerton and a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, being driven by Joseph Taylor of Walkerton, were involved in the crash. During the preliminary investigation, it appears that both vehicles were traveling southbound on SR 23, when for unknown reasons, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle impacted the driver’s side of the Nissan Altima.
Joseph Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Maria Canelo reported minor injuries. The Indiana State Police Reconstruction Unit was contacted to respond to the scene for assistance with the investigation. At this time, the cause of this accident remains under investigation and no further information is available. If anyone has information concerning this crash, they are encouraged to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Starke County EMS, the Koontz Lake Fire Department, the Starke County Coroner’s Office, and the Indiana State Police.
