A tragic crash in Fountain County claimed the life of an 18-year-old motorcyclist on Sunday, bringing a devastating end to a high-speed incident that began on U.S. Highway 41. The Indiana State Police (ISP) confirmed that the victim, identified as Finan Doyle of Indianapolis, died after being transported to a local hospital following the collision.
The chain of events began when an ISP trooper, patrolling U.S. Highway 41 southbound, observed a motorcycle approaching northbound at speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. Recognizing the extreme danger, the trooper made a U-turn in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop. However, after turning around, the trooper lost sight of the speeding motorcycle and immediately alerted nearby law enforcement agencies.
A short time later, Attica police officers encountered the same motorcyclist traveling southbound on Highway 41. According to officials, the motorcyclist sped past one officer and then sideswiped another patrol vehicle, continuing on at high speed despite the attempted intervention.
After striking the Attica officer’s vehicle, the motorcyclist continued into the City of Attica, where he turned west onto Main Street. ISP reported that the rider failed to stop at the intersection of Main and Perry Streets, a critical mistake that led directly to the fatal crash.
At the intersection, the motorcycle collided with a Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on Perry Street. The force of the impact ejected Doyle from the motorcycle, leaving him critically injured. Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead after arrival.
The driver of the Silverado was also taken to a local hospital. According to ISP, that individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Warren County Coroner’s Office formally identified the deceased as Finan Doyle on Monday night.
The incident remains under investigation by Indiana State Police, who are reviewing all aspects of the events leading up to the collision, including the motorcyclist’s excessive speed and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash. Authorities have not released further information regarding potential contributing factors, such as road conditions or impairment, as the investigation continues.
The fatal crash has left the Fountain County and Attica communities shaken, highlighting once again the dangers of extreme speed and the split-second decisions that can lead to irreversible tragedy.
