Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims 22-Year‑Old Life in Kosciusko County

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims 22-Year‑Old Life in Kosciusko County

Incident Overview

• On Friday, August 1, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a fatal collision occurred in Tippecanoe Township, in the 5500 block of County Road 650 North in Kosciusko County, Indiana

• 22-year-old Brenden M. Dilley of Syracuse was the rider of a Kawasaki motorcycle traveling eastbound when he was struck by a westbound Buick, which was turning left into a residence. The collision ejected him from the motorcycle; he was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner

Individuals Involved

• Victim: Brenden M. Dilley, 22, Syracuse, IN — died on impact.

• Other Driver: Sandra L. Lilly, 75, Syracuse, who was driving the Buick; she sustained an abrasion and reported pain and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation

Circumstances of the Crash

• According to preliminary investigations, the Buick turned left across eastbound traffic, entering a private driveway directly in the path of Dilley’s motorcycle. There was likely little or no time for braking or evasive action before the impact The force of the collision ejected Dilley from the motorcycle, which is often associated with severe or fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Emergency Response

• Local deputies, along with Indiana State Police, EMS, and wrecker services, responded swiftly to the scene.

• First responders attempted aid, but Dilley was declared deceased by the Kosciusko County Coroner at the scene.

• The other driver was evaluated but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, although she was taken in for medical attention

Continuing Investigation

• The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and FACT Team are conducting a full investigation into the crash, examining factors such as visibility, turn signal usage, road conditions, and potential contributing errors by either party

• Authorities have not yet released detailed findings on speed, helmet use, or fault allocation.

🧠 Context and Road Safety Considerations

Motorcycle crashes—especially those involving left‑turning vehicles—are a recurring and tragic feature in road accident reports. Several past incidents in Kosciusko County illustrate this danger:

• In June 2025, a 66-year-old motorcyclist died when striking the rear of a stopped pickup truck turning left on State Road 13 at Backwater Road

• In June 2024, 35-year‑old Charles D. Sanders was killed after veering off State Road 25 near CR 600 W; it remains unknown why he lost control

These cases underscore an all-too-common scenario: a turning vehicle intersects with the path of a motorcyclist, often with devastating consequences.

📋 Summary Table

💡 Safety Lessons & Community Impact

• Left turns pose high risk: Vehicles crossing into the path of oncoming motorcyclists is one of the most dangerous scenarios on the road.

• Visibility matters: Motorcycles are inherently less visible—turn signal use, headlight visibility, and rider awareness are critical.

• Rider protection: Helmets and protective gear significantly reduce fatality risk in crashes; investigators have yet to confirm if Dilley was wearing a helmet.

• Community awareness: Small towns like Syracuse feel impacts deeply—this loss resonates with local residents, many of whom travel these roads regularly.