Motorcyclist from Monroe critically hurt in collision

7/11/2007

LUNA PIER, Mich. - A 30-year-old Monroe man was in critical condition after the motorcycle he was operating collided with a pickup on South Telegraph Road, south of Wood Road, in southeastern Monroe County yesterday, authorities said.

James E. Fletcher was in critical condition last night in University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly Medical College of Ohio Hospital, where he was flown, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Riding with him on the motorcycle was Lindsey A. Hamen, 19, of Temperance, who was in fair condition last night in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

The pickup driver, Warren A. Scaife, 26, of Monroe, and his passenger, Robert K. Currie, 27, of LaSalle, Mich., were not hurt in the crash which occurred about 12:15 p.m., deputies said.

The motorcycle was southbound on South Telegraph in LaSalle Township in the left travel lane when Mr. Fletcher began to overtake the pickup, which was pulling a utility trailer, deputies said.

As he began to pass, however, the pickup turned left and the motorcycle hit its left side, throwing Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Hamen off the bike. Both were wearing helmets. Both men in the pickup were wearing seat belts, deputies said.