‘Investigators believe the operator of the second motorcycle was performing a wheelie when he struck the rear of the motorcycle traveling in front of him.’
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release Monday, July 6, about the deadly motorcycle crash on Woodrow Road Sunday night, July 5.
A 20-year-old Shelby man died following the crash, and a 23-year-old New Era man was arrested for operating while intoxicated.
“At approximately 10:07 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Mason-Oceana 911 received a report of a motorcycle crash on Woodrow Road in Shelby Township,” states a press release issued by Undersheriff Ryan Schiller.
“When deputies and emergency responders arrived, they discovered that two motorcycles had been involved in the crash. The preliminary investigation indicates both motorcycles were traveling westbound on the dirt portion of Woodrow Road. Investigators believe the operator of the second motorcycle was performing a wheelie when he struck the rear of the motorcycle traveling in front of him.
“The operator of the second motorcycle, a 20-year-old man from Shelby, sustained critical injuries. He was transported by Life EMS to the Oceana County Airport, where he was transferred to Corwell Health AeroMed for transport to Corwell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Despite lifesaving efforts, he later died from his injuries,” states the press release.
“The operator of the lead motorcycle, a 23-year-old man from New Era, was arrested for operating while intoxicated and lodged at the Oceana County Jail. The crash remains under investigation, and additional charges may be considered pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The two men knew each other and were riding together, said Sheriff Craig Mast.
“The victim was driving a 2018 Yamaha WR250, which is a dirt bike and/or Enduro-style of bike,” said Sheriff Mast. “The other motorist was driving a 2012 Harley Davidson.”
According to 911 dispatch information, the man who died in the crash was not wearing a helmet and suffered a head wound.
The sheriff’s office has not released the men’s names.
“Assisting at the scene were the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police Hart Post, Life EMS, and the Shelby-Benona Fire Department.”
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