LaPorte County, Ind. — A tragic accident on Friday claimed the life of a bicyclist after a collision with a commercial truck near the intersection of State Road 39 and County Road 900 North. The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash occurred just before noon, at approximately 11:59 a.m., and left 29-year-old Mason R. Anderson of Chicago dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Anderson was riding with a group of cyclists traveling southbound along the shoulder of State Road 39. At the same time, a tractor-trailer driven by a 64-year-old man from Demotte was also heading south on the roadway. Police determined the truck driver attempted to pass the cyclists by moving into the left lane, as the stretch of highway was marked as a passing zone.
As the truck was overtaking the group, Anderson began making a left turn onto County Road 900 North. Investigators said the driver of the tractor-trailer tried to avoid a collision by steering further left, but Anderson struck the side of the trailer as he entered the roadway. The impact proved fatal, and despite a rapid emergency response, Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. His sudden loss has devastated family and friends who described him as a young man whose life was cut short unexpectedly.
Authorities confirmed that toxicology tests are being conducted, though results are not yet available. At this stage, no charges have been announced against the truck driver, and officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are examining the sequence of events, including whether Anderson signaled before turning and whether the driver had sufficient time to react.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by both cyclists and motorists on busy roads. Even in designated passing zones, unexpected movements can lead to catastrophic results. Police stressed the importance of vigilance, communication, and defensive driving, noting that intersections and overtaking maneuvers pose heightened risks. The Sheriff’s Office has urged both cyclists and drivers to exercise extreme caution and share the roadway responsibly.
As the investigation moves forward, the LaPorte County community is left reflecting on the fragility of life and the vulnerability of bicyclists compared to larger vehicles. For those who knew Mason Anderson, his death is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a recreational ride can end in tragedy. Officials said additional updates, including toxicology findings and any potential legal outcomes, will be released once available.