ERIE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man was killed when he crashed his dirt bike into a train on Saturday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash happened at 9:27 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, on Sterns Road west of Suder Road at a Norfolk Southern railroad crossing in Erie Township.
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The train was traveling north and the railroad crossing gates, red flashing lights, and warning bells were active on the east and west side of the railroad.
The sheriff’s office said Jacob A. Buchele, 31, of Erie Township, Michigan, was driving a 2022 Honda CRF-250 dirt bike west on Sterns Road when he struck a train and fell from the dirt bike.
As Buchele approached the crossing he traveled left of center and went around the east side railroad crossing gate. The sheriff’s office said he was unable to stop in time and struck the right side of the engine.
The train’s emergency brakes were activated and it did stop.
Buchele was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. He was wearing a helmet.
The sheriff’s office said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7548.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-SPEAKUP or submitting a tip online at 1800speakup.org.