Motorcyclist killed in crash on State Road 23 in Granger identified

GRANGER, Ind. – A South Bend man who was killed in a motorcycle crash on State Road 23 in Granger last week has been identified as 39-year-old Alexander J. Nelund. The fatal collision occurred on the evening of Thursday, June 19, 2025.

According to the St. Joseph County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT), the crash, which involved Mr. Nelund’s motorcycle and a minivan, took place at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the 50600 block of State Road 23. First responders arrived to find a severe crash scene, and Mr. Nelund was pronounced dead at the location. The driver of the minivan sustained only minor injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the circumstances leading to the collision are still under review by FACT. State Road 23 was closed for several hours between Adams Road and Park Forest Drive as investigators processed the scene.

An obituary for Mr. Nelund describes him as a “beloved son, brother, friend, and godfather” who “tragically died in an accident.” It notes his recent passion for aviation mechanics, having just completed his first year at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, where he made the dean’s list for both semesters. He was also an avid photographer, a car and motorcycle enthusiast, and an adventurer who loved to travel.

A celebration of Mr. Nelund’s life is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the BK Club in Mishawaka. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local food bank or a charity of one’s choice.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. No further details have been released by authorities at this time.