Wild turkey flies into Michigan motorcyclist, causing deadly crash
OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An afternoon motorcycle ride ended in horror Sunday when a 70-year-old Michigan man lost his leg and died in a crash after he was struck in the chest by a wild turkey, according to authorities.
The incident happened shortly before 1 p.m. in Oakland Township, a town in southeastern Michigan, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
The man, who was wearing a helmet, was heading west on his 2005 Triumph motorcycle when a flock of turkeys began crossing the road in front of him.
One of the birds decided to take flight and hit the man in the chest. As a result, the motorcyclist lost control of his bike, hit a guardrail and severed his left leg, just below the knee.
The motorcyclist was taken to McLaren-Oakland Hospital, where he later died.
Sheriff's deputies are still investigating the crash.
By one estimate, there are 200,000 turkeys in the state.
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