Rest In Peace

While in the hospital, I got a phone call that Bill had been Killed. I just went to the adoption 3 weeks ago of their new baby girl. Please Pray for Kathy his wife. Great family, GOOD True Christians. I'm heartbroken. He was a Real man.


Riverdale man killed after crash with coyote


By MARK RANZENBERGER
Sun Staff Writer

A Riverdale man died early Tuesday morning when his motorcycle struck a coyote and he lost control of the bike.
William Allan Joslyn, 48, was riding his Suzuki motorcycle west on Stanton Road east of Carlson Road shortly after 6 a.m. when the coyote apparently jumped out in front of the bike, according to Montcalm County Sheriff's Department Lt. Karl Kluwe.

"It probably came shooting right across the road," Kluwe said. Joslyn's cycle struck the animal and he lost control of the machine.

Investigators said Joslyn laid the bike down on its left side and slid to a stop. Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services took Joslyn to Sheridan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The coyote also died when it was struck, Kluwe said.

The lieutenant said coyotes are fairly common in the area. This animal was described as about the size of a small- to medium-sized German shepherd dog.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coyotes are most abundant in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, but have been moving into southern parts of the state in recent years.

The animals, members of the dog family, are very adaptable to a variety of habitats. Kluwe described the area of Douglas Township where the accident took place as "a typical rural area" of mostly farm fields.

Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, feeding on small animals and livestock, as well as on carrion. The DNR says in areas with high deer population, carrion from road kill provides a major food source.

Coyotes usually feed at night, and are most likely to be seen at sunrise and sunset. Tuesday's accident happened at sunrise.

Kluwe said Joslyn was wearing a helmet with a full face mask, and did not appear to have been exceeding the 55 mph speed limit on Stanton Road.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.