Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon says a 45-year-old Centralia man was killed in a motorcycle-pickup truck crash on US 51 south of Patoka early Sunday evening.
Robert E. Watson was pronounced dead on the scene. A passenger on the cycle, identified as 39-year-old Ruby Morgan of Centralia, was airlifted from the scene to a St. Louis hospital with major injuries.
State Police say a preliminary investigation indicates Watson was traveling southbound when for unknown reasons he lost control and struck a northbound pickup truck head-on after crossing into the northbound lane.
Cannon says it appears Watson died instantly. The coroner indicates it is unclear why or how Watson lost control, but possibly due to a mechanical issue.
The driver of the pickup truck is identified as 65-year-old John Schuessler of Decatur. A passenger in the truck is identified as 34-year-old Andrew Schuessler of Decatur. They were not injured. They were pulling a boat and trailer. The truck is expected to be a total loss.
The crash occurred at five Sunday evening. U.S. 51 was closed between Ferrydale and Wisher Road for more than five hours during the cleanup and crash investigation.
Other agencies on the scene include Patoka Fire and EMS, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Life Star Ambulance and a passing motorist, who is a nurse, and who was one of the first on the scene.
The Day/Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is assisting the Watson family with arrangements.
