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Indiana State Police-Versailles District 42-Versailles, IN
Saturday June 4th, 2016 :: 10:26 a.m. EDT

Community

Motorcyclist Dies in Two Vehicle Crash

Versailles-Yesterday, shortly before 6:00 p.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on US 50 near US 421, just west of Versailles, that claimed the life of an Ohio man.

The initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley indicated that a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, being driven by Daniel M. Griest, age 44, Ostrander, Ohio, was traveling eastbound on US 50 near US 421, approaching Versailles.  For an unknown reason, the motorcycle crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, being driven by Michael J. Rompies, age 34, Versailles, Indiana.  The two vehicles collided nearly head on, causing Griest to be thrown from the motorcycle.

As a result of the collision, Griest sustained massive injuries.  He was flown my medical helicopter to a Cincinnati area hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.  Rompies along with the four passengers in his vehicle sustained very minor injuries.

Griest was not wearing a helmet and speed on the part of the motorcycle may be a contributing factor.  Traffic on US 50 was affected for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Griest family has been notified.  The investigation is ongoing.

Trooper Holley was assisted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Osgood Police Department, Versailles Police Department, Ripley County EMS, and the Versailles Fire Department. 

-30-                                          SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES

Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Versailles District 42-Versailles, IN
902 South Adams Street
Versailles, IN 47042

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 812-689-5000

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles
Public Information Office, Versailles Post
[email protected]
812-571-4659

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