WSP investigates deadly U.S. 195 crash

Washington State Patrol investigators still don’t know why a motorcyclist crossed the centerline on Highway 195 into an oncoming semitruck Monday morning.

The motorcycle rider, Leslie K. Crawford, 56, of Bothell, Wash., died at the scene.

“He was an experienced rider. It was a straight part of the road,” said Washington State Patrol Trooper Mark Baker.

Speed, drugs and alcohol are not considered factors in the crash, said Baker, although Crawford may have been suffering from a health problem.

“His riding partner said that he hadn’t been feeling good that morning,” Baker explained.

An autopsy to see if a medical emergency contributed to the crash will have to be conducted.

About 11:15 a.m., Crawford was northbound on Highway 195 about 32 miles south of Spokane near Rosalia, Baker said. A semitruck with a load of grain was in the southbound lane.

When the motorcycle crossed the centerline, the truck driver attempted to get out of the way by driving into the northbound lane, Baker said. The motorcycle collided with the passenger side of the truck.