Sisters man killed in motorcycle crash in Curry County

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 36-year-old Sisters man died Sunday afternoon following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Curry County.

Oregon State Police identified the victim as Louis Henry Vowell III, who was pronounced dead at the scene near the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint.

A preliminary investigation by state police indicated Vowell was riding a black Triumph motorcycle northbound at a high rate of speed near milepost 352. When he attempted to pass multiple vehicles in a passing lane, his motorcycle struck the rear of a turning SUV, throwing him into the path of an oncoming van.

After being thrown from the motorcycle, Vowell was struck by a van. Vowell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred at approximately 12:38 p.m., causing traffic delays on Highway 101 for about 2 hours during the on-scene investigation. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Curry County Sheriff's Office, Cape Ferrelo Rural Fire Department, Brookings Fire & Rescue, Cal-Ore Life Flight and the Oregon Department of Transportation.