Motorcycle accident sends all four passengers to hospital

Elkhart County deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle motorcycle accident Friday night that sent four people to the hospital.

The accident happened on County Road 23 just south of County Road 102 around 9:30 p.m.

41-year-old Chris Rugg and his passenger, both of Michigan, were heading south on County Road 23 on his motorcycle when a deer ran out onto the roadway.

A second motorcycle, driven by 34-year-old Jeff Ganus of Constantine, was behind Rugg when the deer ran onto the roadway and Rugg was unable to stop before hitting the deer.

Ganus could not avoid hitting Rugg in the accident and collided with the back of his motorcycle.

Rugg and another passenger on his bike were transported by ambulance to Elkhart General Hospital. Police say Rugg had incapacitating head injuries. 

Ganus and his passenger were also transported to Memorial Hospital by Samaritan. Police say Ganus also had incapacitating head injuries as a result of the accident.

Both female passengers had injuries including abdominal pains and leg and foot injuries.

Police say no enforcement action is being taken by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department.