Authorities said a motorcyclist was killed and two others injured in a chain-reaction crash Sunday near Battle Ground Lake State Park.
Neal Karlsen, of Battle Ground, was pronounced dead at an area hospital after the crash, which was reported at about 2:40 p.m. Sunday, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. A bicyclist and the driver of a pickup truck also suffered injuries as a result.
Authorities said Keith Kawazoe, 60, of Battle Ground, was riding his bicycle on Northeast 182nd Avenue on Saturday when he crashed into a fallen tree. Kawazoe was thrown from his bike into the northbound lane of traffic.
Karlsen, who was part of a group of motorcyclists driving on Northeast 182nd Avenue, struck Kawazoe, investigators reported. Kalrsen then veered into the oncoming lane of traffic and was struck by a pickup truck operated by Brynna Childress, 18, of La Center.
Karlsen was airlifted from the scene for treatment, but he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Childress and Kawazoe also were transported from the scene for treatments.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, but they do not believe alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. No citations were issued nor arrests reported.
No Comment