Motorcyclist found dead along road by neighbor

9/12/2006

ADRIAN - A man apparently died as a result of a motorcycle accident early Saturday, but Michigan State Police only found his body Sunday night after a neighbor noticed his house and dog had been left unattended for two days.

Case Marsh, 32, text-messaged his girlfriend about 9 p.m. Friday asking whether she'd like to go out with him later that evening. This was the last time anyone heard from Mr. Marsh.

Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Hagerman said the two decided not to meet that night. Instead, sometime in the next four-hour period, Mr. Marsh motorcycled south on South Jackson Road.

About 1 a.m., a resident near the intersection of South Jackson and Crystal Lake Road heard a crash. She went outside with a flashlight, but didn't see anything.

Sunday evening, Mr. Marsh's neighbor noticed that his air compressor was running and his dog was racing about unattended. She said this was unusual because Mr. Marsh was generally very responsible.

After searching his house to no avail - he had left his door open - her husband began searching for Mr. Marsh.

He spotted the white of Mr. Marsh's 2000 Honda motorcycle through the trees alongside South Jackson Road.

Trooper Hagerman said Mr. Marsh probably slipped on gravel while attempting a turn at the intersection.

While South Jackson Road is paved, Crystal Lake Road has a gravel surface, and some of the gravel frequently ends up on South Jackson, according to Trooper Hagerman.

The Lucas County coroner is conducting an autopsy. Trooper Hagerman said he does not suspect foul play.