(QUINCY TOWNSHIP) – A two vehicle crash in Branch County claimed the life of one person.

According to the Branch County Sheriff’s Department, 58 year old Jed Vanhoosear of Montgomery was driving his motorcycle west on U.S. 12 just after 4:30 Thursday afternoon and tried to turn south onto Maple Road. He was struck from behind by a car driven by 52 year old Brett Waltke of Coldwater, knocking both vehicles off the road.

Vanhoosear was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. Waltke was not injured in the incident.

Investigators say the sun may have been a factor in the crash. The incident shut down U.S. 12 between Briggs and Squires Roads for two hours.

The crash remains under investigation. Helping deputies at the scene were the Quincy Police and Fire Departments, the Michigan State Police and Life Care Ambulance along with the Branch County Road Commission.