Jacob Buchele Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Michigan claimed the life of a man who collided with a train while riding his dirt bike on Saturday evening, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 14 at a railroad crossing on Sterns Road in Erie Township. Authorities reported that a dirt bike was heading westbound as it approached the crossing. At that time, the railroad gates were down and warning signals were actively flashing, indicating the approach of an oncoming train.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the dirt bike crossed over the center line while nearing the tracks, appearing to intentionally go around the lowered railroad gate. As the rider attempted to cross, a train traveling northbound on the tracks struck him.
The rider, later identified as 31-year-old Jacob Buchele, was thrown from the dirt bike upon impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to save him. Buchele was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials noted that Buchele was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but the force of the collision proved fatal. The crash happened at a Norfolk Southern railroad crossing, a location where trains regularly pass and safety signals are present to prevent accidents.
Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash, although toxicology results are pending, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This fatal incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obeying railroad crossing warnings and the dangers of trying to bypass safety barriers. Even when wearing protective gear such as a helmet, the risk of serious injury or death is significantly heightened when ignoring crossing signals or attempting to beat an oncoming train.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the speed of the dirt bike, the condition of the crossing, and whether any other factors may have contributed to the deadly outcome.
Local officials expressed condolences to Buchele’s family and urged the public to stay vigilant at all railroad crossings. They stressed that ignoring warning signs and gates can have devastating consequences, even for experienced riders.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release more information as the investigation develops, including toxicology results that could confirm whether impairment contributed to the crash.
In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of Jacob Buchele, whose life ended suddenly in a preventable accident. Authorities hope the tragedy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of exercising caution and following all traffic signals—especially at railroad crossings where the margin for error is slim.