Police Investigate Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Highway 20 near Bend

"The crash is still under investigation, but it appears speed may have been a contributing factor" -Oregon State Police Sergeant Eric Brown

Salem-News.com

(BEND, Ore.) - Police say a 61-year old man was killed early Friday morning after his motorcycle crashed on Highway 20E approximately 28 miles east of Bend, Oregon.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Eric Brown, says early this morning at approximately 12:30 a.m., a 2008 Ducati motorcycle operated by a 61-year old man was driving eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 28.

Brown says the motorcycle was eastbound and failed to negotiate a left hand curve, and the rider went onto the south shoulder of the roadway. The motorcycle struck a fog marker and the operator was thrown from the bike.

"He died at the scene of the crash", Brown said. "The crash is still under investigation, but it appears speed may have been a contributing factor."

Troopers are still trying to locate a next of kin for the 61-year old operator of the motorcycle. The name and address of the operator will be withheld until the next of kin can be notified.