BRINNON — A motorcycle rider died after he collided with the truck in front of him as the driver was attempting a U-turn on U.S. Highway 101 just north of Brinnon, the State Patrol said.
Kevin L. Lewis, 49, of Quilcene was pronounced dead at the scene.
Russell S. Mikeal, 59, of Brinnon was taken into custody by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on investigation of DUI and vehicular homicide, the State Patrol said.
Mikeal was driving a 1985 GMC C1500 northbound on Highway 101 at milepost 304 about 7:07 p.m. Sunday when he pulled over to the right shoulder and re-entered the northbound lane while attempting a U-turn, the State Patrol said.
Lewis was traveling at a high rate of speed behind the GMC on a 1998 Honda motorcycle and was unable to stop. He struck the front driver’s side tire of the GMC, and the two vehicles became attached as they continued across the roadway, the State Patrol said.
Both vehicles caught on fire and became fully engulfed when they came to rest in the southbound ditch, the State Patrol said.
Lewis was ejected over the GMC and came to rest in the southbound ditch, the State Patrol said.
Both vehicles were totally destroyed.
