Spokane man dies in motorcycle crash

Thomas E. McCracken, 64, of Spokane, died at the scene of motorcycle crash on Rock Lake Road near St. John, in Whitman County, just before noon today. Another motorcycle driven by Gary A. Morris, 54, also crashed, injuring Morris and his passenger, April M. Morris, 48. Both are from Spokane Valley. Five motorcycles were traveling together at the time of the crash. Witnesses told Whitman County sheriff’s deputies that McCracken and Morris failed to negotiate a left-hand turn in the roadway, and crashed when they got caught in the gravel on the shoulder. At no point did the motorcycles collide. Gary and April Morris suffered minor injuries and were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center by ambulance.