On a quiet Friday afternoon in Jackson Township, Indiana, a devastating chain of events unfolded at the intersection of U.S. 6 and White Thorne Lane, claiming the lives of two motorcyclists in a tragic four-vehicle collision. The victims, identified as 73-year-old Richard Dowding and 62-year-old William McCoy, both residents of Portage, were pronounced dead at the scene despite desperate attempts by first responders to save them. The loss of these two men, known in their community for their love of the open road and the camaraderie of motorcycle culture, has left families, friends, and neighbors grappling with profound grief. As the Porter County Sheriffโs Department continues its investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of the roads we travel.
The collision occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on May 30, 2025, when deputies from the Porter County Sheriffโs Department were dispatched to the scene following reports of a crash involving two motorcycles and two passenger vehicles. According to Sergeant Ben McFalls, the departmentโs public information officer, the sequence of events began with a seemingly routine maneuver that quickly escalated into tragedy. A 2023 Audi Q7P, traveling eastbound on U.S. 6, slowed to make a left turn onto White Thorne Lane, its turn signal activated. At that moment, a 2017 Nissan Rogue following behind failed to stop in time, rear-ending the Audi with significant force. The impact propelled the Audi across the center line and into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with two motorcyclesโa 2017 Harley Davidson and a 2002 Harley Davidsonโridden by Dowding and McCoy.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the severity of the crash left little hope. Both motorcyclists were found unresponsive, and despite the efforts of paramedics to administer lifesaving measures, neither could be revived. The drivers of the Audi and Nissan sustained injuries, though details about their conditions have not been released. The intersection, a busy stretch of U.S. 6 known for its steady flow of traffic, was closed for several hours as the Porter County Crash Unit meticulously documented the scene and began piecing together the circumstances that led to the fatal collision. Authorities have urged drivers to seek alternate routes during the investigation, which disrupted travel in the area well into the evening.
The Porter County Sheriffโs Department, in collaboration with the Coronerโs Office, is working to understand the full scope of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the crash was a tragic cascade of events, with the initial rear-end collision setting off a chain reaction that proved catastrophic. Investigators are examining factors such as vehicle speeds, road conditions, and driver behavior to determine whether human error, mechanical failure, or other variables played a role. The community, meanwhile, is left to mourn the loss of Dowding and McCoy, whose passion for motorcycling was a defining part of their lives. Friends described them as seasoned riders who cherished the freedom of the road and the bonds they formed with fellow enthusiasts.
In a statement, Sergeant McFalls expressed the departmentโs condolences, urging the public to keep the victimsโ families and friends in their thoughts during this difficult time. He also acknowledged the efforts of assisting agencies, including local fire departments and emergency medical services, whose rapid response underscored the communityโs commitment to public safety. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities promising to release additional details as they become available.
This tragedy marks yet another somber chapter in Porter Countyโs struggle with roadway fatalities. The region has seen a troubling number of crashes in recent years, prompting renewed calls for enhanced traffic safety measures. Local officials have pointed to the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield as persistent challenges on Indianaโs roads. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of Richard Dowding and William McCoy, whose lives were cut short in an instant, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew them.