Motorcyclist killed after hitting downed tree

Authorities said construction barrels warning motorists of a downed tree were removed from a West Michigan road before a motorcyclist slammed into it, sustaining fatal injuries. Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler said the tree fell Monday. Severe storms hit southern Michigan that day, downing many trees and utility poles. The crash happened in Paw Paw Township, about 50 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. Tangled power lines prevented crews from removing the tree on Monday.

AP Wire

Jul 13, 2011

Gribler said the barrels were removed during the night, and 48-year-old Gene Jacobs of Paw Paw didn’t see the tree at the crest of a hill about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday.

The sheriff said Jacobs was thrown from his motorcycle and pronounced dead at a hospital.

Gribler said Jacobs wore a helmet, and speed wasn’t a factor.