Macomb County, MI – Off-Duty Pilot Fatally Injured in 3-Vehicle Crash on I-75 near South Otter Rd

Macomb County, MI (August 31, 2023) – Tragedy struck early Wednesday morning, August 30th, as a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in southern Michigan claimed the life of an off-duty pilot from Macomb County. The incident occurred in a construction zone on northbound I-75 near South Otter Road in LaSalle Township around 3:30 a.m.

The victim was identified as James G. Delikta, 46, a resident of Mount Clemens. Delikta was operating his 2022 Harley Davidson Road Glide motorcycle when he collided with the rear of a 2017 Ford Escape. The collision caused him to lose control and fall from his motorcycle, coming to rest in the left lane of travel.

Tragically, Delikta was struck by a red 2016 Ford Focus operated by Joseph M. Kennedy, age 52, from Toledo, Ohio. Despite wearing a helmet, Delikta succumbed to his injuries at the scene, as pronounced by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Both Kennedy and the driver of the Ford Escape, William W. Null, 64, also of Toledo, were properly restrained by their seat belts during the crashes.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough stated that preliminary investigations suggest speed played a role in the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of James G. Delikta, mourning the loss of a skilled pilot and a member of the community.