PORT ANGELES — Brooke L. Bedinger, 19, of Sequim was identified this morning by the State Patrol as the motorcyclist who died at the scene after a late Thursday afternoon wreck on U.S. Highway 101.
The fatality at the bottom of the Morse Creek curve east of Port Angeles was the fifth motorcyclist-related fatality or injury in Clallam and Jefferson counties since mid-May.
It backed up traffic for several miles in both directions.
The mishap was first reported to authorities at 5:03 p.m.
Bedinger died at the scene after her westbound 2016 Harley Davidson XL883 went into oncoming traffic, State Patrol spokeswoman Trooper Chelsea Hodgson said.
Bedinger lost control of the bike and it slid across the center line in front of an eastbound 2006 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Tyler K. Michalscheck, 22, 0f Port Angeles, who was not injured, Hodgson said.
The State Patrol said drugs or alcohol were not involved.
One westbound lane was open at 5:36 p.m.
The State Patrol declared the scene cleared at 10:13 p.m.
Hodgson said wreck was under investigation.
Three motorcycle riders have been injured and two killed in Clallam and Jefferson counties since May 13.
Four of the incidents have occurred since Sunday.
Troopers are on scene of a one car, motorcycle fatality collision on SR 101 at Morse Creek in Port Angeles. WSDOT is enroute to assist with traffic control. One WB lane is currently open. More details to come.
— Trooper Chelsea Hodgson (@wspd8pio) June 22, 2018
Three of the four lanes in the area are blocked with alternating traffic using one westbound lane. Please be patient and seek alternate routes if possible.
— Trooper Chelsea Hodgson (@wspd8pio) June 22, 2018
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
