ST. JOHN — A tragic motorcycle accident in northwest Indiana claimed the life of a Crown Point man late Saturday night, according to local authorities. The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the victim, identified as 55-year-old Raymond Colburn, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The accident happened near the intersection of Blaine Street and 96th Avenue in St. John. Emergency crews were called to the scene after reports of a serious crash involving a motorcycle. Upon arrival, first responders found Colburn critically injured. He was quickly transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point, where doctors made every effort to save his life. Despite their efforts, Colburn was pronounced dead at 12:14 a.m., just minutes after midnight.
The coroner’s office stated that Colburn’s cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma injuries, which are consistent with the violent nature of motorcycle crashes. Such injuries often result from the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to drivers in enclosed vehicles.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the St. John Police Department, local EMS teams, and firefighters. Their efforts were focused not only on assisting the victim but also on securing the area and gathering information to help determine the circumstances that led to the fatal accident. At this time, details on how the crash occurred—whether another vehicle was involved or if it was a single-motorcycle incident—have not yet been released by authorities.
To gain more clarity, a forensic autopsy has been scheduled for Monday at the Lake County Forensic Center. The results are expected to provide more information about Colburn’s exact cause of death and possibly assist investigators in piecing together what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in the region, particularly during late summer when riding conditions are generally favorable, and more motorcyclists take to the roads. Safety experts continue to emphasize the importance of both riders and drivers being extra cautious, especially at intersections like the one where this tragedy occurred.
Friends, family, and community members are now left mourning the sudden loss of Colburn. While official statements from his loved ones have not been made public, the news of his passing adds to a string of recent motorcycle-related fatalities in the area, highlighting once again the risks riders face on the road.
Investigators are expected to release more details once the autopsy is complete and once witness statements and any available evidence from the crash scene have been fully reviewed. In the meantime, authorities encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The fatal accident has cast a shadow over the St. John and Crown Point communities, serving as a grim reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by roadway tragedies. For now, officials remain focused on uncovering the details of what caused the crash and ensuring that the Colburn family receives the answers they deserve.
