REPUBLIC — A fatal motorcycle crash took place early Thursday morning in Republic Township, claiming the life of a 56-year-old Republic man, according to the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post.

Troopers arrived at the scene of the crash on M-95 near Grosbeak Lane in Republic Township around 6:39 a.m. Thursday, pronouncing Charles Boshears, 56, of Republic, deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that a 1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Boshears was southbound on M-95 when Boshears swerved to avoid a collision with a deer in the roadway. The motorcycle left the roadway and appeared to have hit several trees. Boshears was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, police said.

The Michigan State Police Negaunee Post was assisted by Anttila’s Towing, UP Health System – Marquette, the Michigan State Police Accident Reconstructionist and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office.