Preliminary investigation by Trooper William Carlson shows that a 1998 Honda Motorcycle being driven by Theodore D. Hickman, 21, of Portage, IN was westbound at a high rate of speed. A truck/trailer was also westbound and was in the process of changing lanes when the motorcycle rear-ended the trailer. As a result of the collision, the rider was ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle came to a rest against the median wall. Lifesaving measures were performed on the motorcycle rider prior to being transported to Northlake Hospital in Gary. Mr. Hickman did not survive the crash and was pronounced deceased by the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Notification of family has been made. The driver of the truck that was struck was not injured.
It should be noted that at the time of the crash, the motorcyclist was being actively pursued by the Portage Police Department. Any questions regarding the pursuit should be directed to the Portage Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Sgt. Maynard.
Assisting at the scene was the Lake County Sheriff’s Reconstruction Team, Lake Station Fire/EMS, Burns Harbor Police Department, first Response Towing and Double T Towing.
