Eugene motorcyclist critically injured in Crook Co. crash

A 65-year-old Eugene man was critically injured Sunday when his motorcycle left the Paulina Highway about 30 miles east of Prineville, briefly went airborne and tumbled several times, Crook County sheriff deputies said.

Roger Paquette remained in critical condition Monday afternoon at St. Charles-Bend, where he was flown by Life Flight helicopter after the crash, authorities said.

Deputies were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday to milepost 33 on the Paulina Highway (Highway 380) on a report of a motorcycle crash, said Deputy Ryan Seaney.

They determined that the 2002 BMW RG5 motorcycle left the road on a slight curve about eight miles east of Post for an unknown reason while heading west toward Prineville, Seaney said.

The crash-scene investigation indicated Paquette’s motorcycle became airborne for a short time, then tumbled repeatedly before coming to a stop, the deputy said.

Paquette, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was found by three other motorcyclists who provided aid and comfort while waiting for medics to arrive, Seaney said.

Medics from Rager Emergency Services, Crook County fire and Rescue and Life Flight treated the motorcyclist before he was flown to Bend.

Deputies closed the highway for about a half-hour to allow the helicopter to land and pick up the rider.

Seaney said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, and the investigation was continuing.