One Dies Two Injured in Motorcycle Crash

PERU, IN - OnApril 26, 2009 at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and Miami County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal crash involving three motorcycles on U.S. 31 south of State Road 18. 

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Josh Rozzi revealed that a group of five motorcycles was traveling southbound on U.S 31. Motorcycles driven by James L. Edmundson Jr., 43, Aaron T. Robertson, 30, and Emory G. Smiley Jr., 41, all from Kokomo, IN, drove away from the group at a high rate of speed. Approximately a quarter mile south of State Road 18, the motorcycles crashed into each other, causing the three riders to be ejected.

Early indications are one motorcycle was attempting to catch up to the other two, when it hit the rear of one motorcycle causing it to crash into the third motorcycle. Officers are still analyzing crash evidence in an effort to determine which motorcycle initiated contact starting the crash. The high rate of speed in which the motorcycles were being operated is a contributing factor in the crash. 

As a result of injuries sustained in the crash, Edmundson Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene from massive head trauma. Robertson was flown by Samaritan Helicopter to Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne, IN. He sustained a head injury and lacerations to his body. Smiley Jr. was transported by ambulance to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Kokomo, IN. He also suffered a head injury and lacerations to his body. He was later airlifted by Life Line Helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. 

“None of the three involved in this crash was wearing a helmet,” stated Trooper Rozzi. “It’s unfortunate a person has lost their life, but with the high speeds they were traveling it could have easily been three.” 

Further investigation by Trooper Rozzi, revealed that Edmundson was allegedly driving after having his operators license revoked for life after being deemed a habitual traffic violator.  

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Rozzi or Master Trooper Bob Good at 1-800-382-0689. 

Drivers and Motorcycles:  

• James L. Edmundson Jr., 43, Kokomo, IN, operating a 2009 Hyabusa motorcycle
• Emory G. Smiley Jr., 41, Kokomo, IN, operating a 1985 Honda motorcycle
• Aaron T. Robertson, 30, Kokomo, IN, operating a 1994 Suzuki motorcycle

Trooper Rozzi was assisted by Master Trooper Bob Good, Trooper Ron Fisher, Trooper Adam Duffitt, ISP Sergeant Jeremy Kelly, the Galveston Fire Department, and Miami County Emergency Management.