Eric Bates, a 73-year-old resident of rural Towanda, was pronounced dead at the scene of a collision between a motorcycle and a motor vehicle at the intersection of Townline and Boston School Roads in rural Mackinaw. Authorities were alerted to the accident at 3:28 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

Bates was declared deceased at 4:40 p.m. by Tazewell County Coroner Charles R. Hanley.

Bates was the operator of the motorcycle.

Preliminary findings of the autopsy held on Tuesday, April 9, show the death was caused by multiple blunt force injuries due to the collision.

Toxicology testing is pending.

This case remains under investigation by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office and the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office.