Staff Report
CHESTERTON — A 19-year-old motorcyclist, apparently racing at an extremely high speed on I-94, died Thursday night on I-94 near Chesterton.
The accident happened at 8:11 p.m. on I-94 westbound two miles east of the Chesterton exit, and involved two motorcycles and a passenger car, according to Indiana State Police.
Police believe two motorcycles had been traveling at an “extremely high rate of speed,” coming from the Michigan City area.
One motorcyclist, Matthew Lowenthal, 19, of Valparaiso, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second motorcyclist, Luke Tilford, sustained serious injuries after he was struck by another unknown passing vehicle.
Tilford had pulled his motorcycle onto the shoulder and was dismounting when the collision occurred. Authorities believe a passing vehicle was trying to avoid the initial crash and may not have realized they struck the motorcyclist on the shoulder.
Tilford was transported for emergency treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the passenger car, a Tesla, reported no injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or may have video footage of the incident is asked to contact the Indiana State Police Lowell Post at (219) 696‑6242.
