Motorcycle Crash on Illinois Route 394 Claims Lives of Two Young Indiana Residents
GLENWOOD, IL — A tragic motorcycle crash late Friday night has left two Indiana families devastated, after a violent collision on Illinois Route 394 claimed the lives of 24-year-old Sarah Gudeman of Michigan City and 22-year-old Justin Fasnacht of Crown Point. The fatal accident occurred at approximately 9:51 p.m. on June 27, 2025, near Glenwood-Lansing Road, sending shockwaves through both Illinois and Indiana communities as word of the tragedy spread.
According to the Illinois State Police, the crash involved a single motorcycle traveling northbound on Route 394 when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control. Preliminary findings suggest that speed and roadway conditions may have played a role. The motorcycle veered off the road and struck a guardrail, ejecting both Sarah and Justin from the vehicle with tremendous force.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly on the scene, but despite their best efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of their injuries. Authorities confirmed that Sarah Gudeman was a passenger on the motorcycle driven by Justin Fasnacht.
Investigators closed the northbound lanes of Route 394 for several hours overnight to conduct a thorough crash reconstruction. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and toxicology reports are pending to determine whether any additional contributing factors were present.
Family members and friends are now mourning the loss of two vibrant young lives cut short far too soon.
Sarah Gudeman was remembered as a deeply compassionate young woman, a lover of animals and the outdoors, who had recently begun working as a veterinary assistant while pursuing additional studies in the healthcare field. Known for her generosity and gentle spirit, Sarah’s friends say she brought warmth into every space she entered.
“Sarah had a heart bigger than most,” a close friend wrote on social media. “She was always helping someone, always making people laugh. This is a hole we’ll never be able to fill.”
Justin Fasnacht, equally beloved by those who knew him, was described as adventurous, loyal, and full of energy. A skilled mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, Justin worked in auto repair and had a deep passion for engines and the open road. Friends say he had a bold spirit, but always carried a protective attitude toward those he cared about.
“Justin loved his bike, but he loved people even more,” said a family member. “He was the type of guy who would drop everything to help you. This hurts beyond words.”
The small communities of Michigan City and Crown Point are both in mourning, with many offering condolences, prayers, and financial support to the grieving families. Several GoFundMe pages have been launched to help with funeral costs, and candlelight vigils are being planned in both towns in the coming days.
Local officials and law enforcement have urged motorcyclists to take extra precautions, especially as summer riding season brings more vehicles onto the road. “This heartbreaking loss is a reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to wear proper safety gear, obey speed limits, and remain alert at all times,” said a spokesperson for the Illinois State Police.
At present, the investigation remains ongoing, with final determinations pending autopsy and toxicology results. No foul play is suspected, and authorities have stated that the crash appears to be a tragic accident.
As families, friends, and communities on both sides of the Indiana-Illinois border come together in shared grief, they also remember Sarah and Justin for the light and love they brought into the world—two young lives that will never be forgotten, and whose memories will endure in the hearts of those who loved them.