Motorcyclist dies in U.S. 50 crash in North Vernon

A North Vernon motorcyclist died after a Friday evening crash on U.S. 50 and State Road 3.

According to North Vernon Police Department reports, 35-year-old Gerald A. Branam was severely injured after his motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV that was stopped in traffic. Bystanders performed first aid until rescue workers arrived who continued life-saving efforts. He was taken to St. Vincent Jennings Hospital to be transported to another facility, but was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police say that Branam was driving westbound and attempted to stop before crashing into the SUV being driven by 44-year-old Steven P. Neal of North Vernon. Branam was thrown from his motorcycle.

Neal was uninjured.

The intersection was tied up for more than two and a half hours while rescue workers and crash reconstructionists worked at the scene.