Mark Gillikin, 48, was pronounced dead at Spectrum Hospital after sustaining critical injuries about 6:45 p.m. Monday, May 25 on West River Drive. He had been driving a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
According to Kourtland Ford, eyewitness to the accident who phoned in the 9-1-1 call, an eastbound Chevy Blazer was waiting in the left lane to make a left turn when the motorcyclist crashed into the back of the vehicle. It appeared to Ford that Gillikin realized too late that the Chevy had stopped and tried to avoid hitting it. Occupants in the Blazer were unhurt.
Ford said he helped slow traffic while other witnesses performed CPR to the victim, who was unresponsive. The accident took place east of the Jupiter Avenue
intersection West River Drive.
In addition to Plainfield Fire Department, Kent County Sheriff deputies and the Kent County Road Commission responded to the scene. The victim was transported by Rockford Ambulance.
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