A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 75-year-old Flint man in Lapeer County last Saturday. The Lapeer County Sheriff's deputies were quickly dispatched to the scene at the intersection of Barnes and Silverwood Road in North Branch at approximately 2:33 p.m., reported WNEM. Carl Rhinebolt was riding with two other motorcyclists when the accident occurred.

The group of three motorcycles was heading north on Silverwood Road when a 61-year-old front rider had to abruptly brake to avoid a vehicle that had stopped at the intersection and then proceeded to cross. Rhinebolt, who was trailing behind on his 2018 Harley Davidson, failed to stop in time and consequently struck the back of the leading bike. ABC12 noted that neither excess speed nor alcohol appeared to quickly have been a factor in the crash.

The collision caused both motorcycles to lose stability and slide across the roadway. Rhinebolt, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected onto the pavement, as stated by the MidMichiganNow report. The other rider managed to escape the incident unscathed and refused medical treatment.

Rhinebolt was transported with serious injuries to McLaren in Lapeer, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately six hours later. This marked a somber end to what had begun as a group ride among companions. The WJRT report emphasized that Rhinebolt's lack of a helmet potentially worsened the impact of his injuries.

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the crash, but preliminary findings suggest that this was a tragic accident without malice or gross negligence. The local community and the motorcycle fraternity are mourning the loss of one of their own, while a reminder echoes about the inherent risks of riding and the importance of safety gear.