One killed in crash with car Sunday
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on August 25, 2008 1:38 PM
A 21-year-old dirt bike driver died early Sunday morning after colliding with a car on U.S. 13 South, according to a report filed by investigators with the state Highway Patrol.
Matthew Ryan Graham, of 1940 U.S. 13 South, was operating a 2004 Yamaha dirt bike around 12:45 a.m. Sunday when the accident happened, Sgt. R.P Hooks said.
Hooks said that an investigation showed that Graham was trying to cross the highway when he was involved in a crash with a car driven by Steven C. Evans of Sims.
It was not entirely clear what part of the vehicle the dirt bike struck, Hooks said.
After the impact, Graham lost control of the bike and sustained the injuries that eventually proved fatal, Hooks said.
The patrolman added Graham was not wearing a protective helmet at the time of the accident.
Evans was not injured in the accident, the sergeant said.
Evans had not been drinking alcohol, according to tests run by the Highway Patrol troopers.
The investigating trooper reported that he did not know whether Graham had consumed alcohol, and noted that he is awaiting a report from the medical examiner, the sergeant said.
Tuesday would have been Graham's birthday, according to the patrol's report.