Friends of Motorcycle Crash Victim Express Condolences
Posted
Aaron Organ-aorgan@timesuniononline.com
LEESBURG – The man killed early Wednesday when his motorcycle rear-ended a pick-up, sending him into oncoming traffic, has been identified.
William Wells, 32, of 7264 S. CR 300E, Claypool, was killed when his Harley Davidson slammed into the back of a pickup, then slid into oncoming traffic, on Ind. 15 just north of Plum Street in Leesburg around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday. Kosciusko County Coroner John Sadler pronounced Wells dead at the scene from severe blunt force trauma to the head.
According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department crash report, Wells was southbound on his copper 2008 Harley when he approached slowed traffic due to the construction along Ind. 15 in Leesburg. The highway is under construction to widen the roadway and add a turn lane.
According to the report, Wells had attempted to brake but rear-ended a 2003 Toyota Tacoma driven by Allen R. Slabaugh, 64, of Milford. The impact sent Wells and his bike into the northbound lane, where he struck a passing 2003 Chevrolet S-10 driven by 54-year-old James A. Mewszel of Plymouth.
Wells suffered major head injuries as a result of the collision. He was not wearing a helmet.
Blood draws were taken from all drivers, the report said. Those results are pending.
On the Times-Union’s Facebook page, friends offered condolences and described Wells as a happy, exuberant father.
“He was a great guy and a great dad and an experienced rider,” wrote Stephanie Puckett. “Thoughts and prayers (are) with his boys and family.”
Added Beth Young Smith: “(Wells) will be truly missed. He was a very funny man, had a great life and smile on his face ... he will truly be missed.”
Funeral arrangements for Wells are pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home.
