One Dead, One Injured in Crash Involving Cycle, Pickup Truck

A man riding a motorcycle was killed when the unit struck a pickup truck pulling a boat and trailer.

Robert E. Watson, 45, of Centralia was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred at 5pm Sunday. The crash scene was US Route 45, south of Bowen Road in Marion County. 

Illinois State Police report Watson was traveling south and the pickup truck, driven by 65-year-old John Schuessler of Decatur, was headed north. For some reason, Watson's motorcycle crossed into the northbound lane and struck Schuessler's pickup truck head-on. 

No one in the pickup truck was injured. 

Watson's passenger, Ruby Morgan, 39, of Centralia was injured and was airlifted from the scene to a St. Louis hospital with major injuries.

Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon said it's not clear why Watson's cycle crossed the centerline, but said it was possibly due to a mechanical issue.