Man airlifted after bicycle accident

A Greencastle man was airlifted from the area near Irwin Bridge after a bicycle accident Monday afternoon. (Banner Graphic/Sabrina Westfall)

A Greencastle man was airlifted after a bicycle accident on West Walnut Street Monday afternoon.

Putnam County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Gregg Slover said at 3:22 p.m. Jeffrey Tucker, 54, was traveling east on West Walnut Street on a mountain bike.

After crossing Irwin Bridge, he lost control of the bike and landed in the bean field on the south side of the road. According to a report from a passerby Tucker was traveling too fast down the hill, causing him to lose control.

Tucker was not wearing a helmet and suffered from head and leg injuries. He was airlifted from the scene by Statflight and transported to St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital to be treated.

Putnam County Operation Life and Greencastle Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Sheriff Scott Stockton said it is important to use safety gear when operating a bicycle to prevent head injuries.

He added Putnam County is lucky to have a service like Statflight available when needed.

Capt. Tom Helmer noted Tucker was lucky a passerby witnessed the incident because Tucker was in a deep area of the field and not easily visible from the road.