Motorcyclist dead after crashing into downed tree

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office reports deputies responded to 48 1/2 Street, just north of C.R. 388 in Columbia Township, on Monday, June 17, for a report of a motorcyclist that had crashed into a tree.

The caller reported that he was going home on 48 1/2 Street when he came across a large tree fallen across the entire roadway.

Upon closer look, the caller found an unresponsive man, laying in the tree debris, next to a motorcycle.

Authorities arrived to discover the deceased man, identified as a 38-year-old Columbia Township man. 

The report states it's not clear how long he had been there before being discovered.

The on-scene investigation leads deputies to believe the man may have been aware of the tree at the very last minute but was unable to stop in time. 

The reports states skid marks in the dirt road were found starting around 40 feet prior to crashing into the fallen tree. 

The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and suffered massive head trauma.

Authorities say while searching the man for identification, they found two grams of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe in his pants pocket. 

The report states It is not known if the man was under the influence of meth or alcohol at the time of the crash. 

A toxicology report will be completed by the Medical Examiner's Office and returned to the investigating deputy.

A Michigan State Police Trooper was able to use his fingerprint scanner to provide positive identification of the motorcyclist.

The man's name is being withheld at this time.