One dead in Calvin Township crash

Published 8:19 am Tuesday, May 1, 2018

CALVIN TOWNSHIP — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that took place in Calvin Township Monday.

Deputies responded to a truck/motorcycle crash at 5:36 a.m. Monday on Calvin Hill Street near N. Shore Drive in Calvin Township.

Initial investigation shows that the truck was turning out of a driveway to go west on Calvin Hill Street when struck by an eastbound motorcycle. The driver of the truck was identified as Kevin Carlisle, 52, of Cassopolis. The motorcyclist was identified as Jerry West, 29, of Dowagiac.

West was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending at Western Michigan University’s School of Medicine.

Carlisle was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment and released. 

Deputies were assisted on scene by Life Care Ambulance, Penn Twp. Fire Department and True’s Towing.

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.  A helmet and seatbelts were used by both drivers.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, (269) 445-2481.