FLORENCE TOWNSHIP – A collision between a pick up and a motorcycle took the life of a Sturgis man.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite says his department was called to Lutz Road near Dickinson Road at 2:30 PM Tuesday. Deputies determined that a 17 year old boy from Burr Oak was driving a pick up south on Lutz Road, and attempted to make a turn at Dickinson Road. A motorcycle was also heading south on Lutz Road.

Investigators say the pick up driver changed the direction he was turning and the motorcycle collided with the truck as it was trying to overtake the vehicle. The driver of the motorcycle, a 47 year old Sturgis man, was thrown off of his bike, which went off the road and struck a power pole. The man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The pick up driver was not injured, but a passenger suffered a minor injury.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by the White Pigeon Police and Fire Departments; the Constantine Police Department, the Three Rivers Fire Department, St. Joseph County Victim's Services and West Michigan Air Care. Once the investigation is completed, the case will be sent to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for review.