News Release

MARSHALL COUNTY — The Indiana State Police is investigating a serious crash between a minivan and a motorcycle that occurred at the intersection of Miami Trail and SR 106 at approximately 3 p.m. Aug. 19.

Preliminary investigation by Sgt. Brandon McBrier indicates that a gray 2022 Honda minivan driven by Heather Steinhofer, 36, of South Bend was traveling southbound on Miami Trail and is believed to have disregarded the stop sign at the intersection with SR 106. Steinhofer allegedly drove into the path of a blue and gray 2017 Indian motorcycle operated by Roger Lavine, 61, of Plymouth that was traveling westbound on SR 106. Lavine collided with the left side of the Honda and was thrown from the motorcycle.

Steinhofer was transported to Memorial Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be serious. Lavine was transported to Bremen Hospital and then flown to Memorial Hospital with injuries that are believed to be serious and potentially life-threatening. Lavine was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be factors in this crash, however, Steinhofer did submit to a chemical test as required by Indiana statute for drivers involved in crashes involving a fatality or serious bodily injury.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by Bremen Police Department, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Bremen Fire and EMS, Tri-County Ambulance and Newcomer Service and 24-Hour Towing.