Silver Lake Cyclist 'Fair' After CrashSIDNEY – A Silver Lake motorcyclist suffered full-body injuries Sunday afternoon after rear-ending an SUV and ejecting 30-feet into a tree in Sidney. Police and medics were called just before 4:30 p.m. Sunday to Ind. 14E near CR 600E, Sidney, and arrived to find a blue 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster downed, its battered driver 70 feet away and a brown 2009 GMC Acadia towing a trailer stopped. Medics tended to the motorcyclist - 20-year-old John K. Hackworth, of 2767 E. CR 1200S, Silver Lake - for extensive injuries to his entire body before he was airlifted to Parkview Hospital in stable condition. He was listed in fair condition at last check, according to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators believe the eastbound Acadia SUV, driven by Josiah D. Paltano, 23, of 5813 E. Ind. 14, North Manchester, was pulling into his driveway when the motorcycle rear-ended his back right side. Hackworth was ejected from the motorcycle and flew some 30 feet before slamming into a tree. He flew and slid another 40 feet before coming to rest. Evidence showed Hackworth attempted to brake before the collision, and Paltano told police he heard honking just beforehand. The SUV had its turn signals engaged and still flashing when authorities arrived. Hackworth had no drugs or alcohol in his system. The collision resulted in an estimated $10,000 to $25,000 in damages.
