Motorcyclist dies in crash with semi on U.S. 20

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - A motorcyclist died in a crash involving a semi on U.S. 20 Wednesday afternoon, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office.

At 4 p.m., deputies responded to the 4000-west block of U.S. 20 for the incident.

According to the investigation, a green 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by 29-year-old Timothy Hefner of Michigan City, was traveling east on U.S. 20 and a black 2004 Peterbilt tractor pulling a 2000 Benson flatbed trailer was traveling in front of it.

The driver of the semi told deputies that he had decreased his driving speed to 40 miles per hour as he approached a school zone.

As he did so, he suddenly felt something hit the back of his trailer, reports said. He stopped the semi shortly after.

Witnesses at the scene told deputies that the motorcycle was traveling at excessive speeds and in a reckless manner before the crash.

Hefner, the driver of the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi was not injured.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Toxicology results are pending.