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Motorcycle rider dies after being hit by deer

Posted at 1:53 PM, Aug 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-28 13:53:41-04

CLARE COUNTY, Mich. — A Harrison man died in the hospital after hitting a deer with his motorcycle.

Michigan State Police said the motorcyclist collided with the deer at 4:16 p.m. Saturday on South Clare Avenue north of East Surrey Road in Grant Township of Clare County.

Investigators say John C. Maurkiewicz III, 44, of Harrison was riding a 1996 Yamaha motorcycle northbound when he was hit by a deer running east across the roadway.

The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was transported by EMS to Clare Hospital, then was transferred to Midland Hospital where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Troopers said Maurkiewicz was wearing a novelty skull-type helmet, had a suspended driver’s license status, had no motorcycle license endorsement and had an improper registration plate on the motorcycle at the time of the collision.

MSP was assisted by the Clare County Sheriff’s Department, Clare Police Department, MMR Ambulance and Clare Fire Department at the scene.

Troopers said it is not known if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.