REPUBLIC TOWNSHIP — A Republic man was killed Thursday morning when his motorcycle crashed on M-95 in Republic Township while attempting to avoid hitting a deer in the road, according to a release from the Michigan State Police, Negaunee Post.

A preliminary investigation determined 56-year-old Charles Boshears was southbound on M-95 near Grosbeak Lane about 6:30 a.m. when he swerved his 1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle to avoid a deer, left the roadway and appeared to collide with several trees.

Boshears was pronounced dead at the crash. He was not wearing a helmet, the release stated.

The MSP was assisted by Anttila’s Towing, UP Health Systems Marquette, the Michigan State Police accident reconstructionist and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department.