Eugene motorcyclist, 18, killed in Hwy. 242 crash

An 18-year-old Eugene motorcyclist was killed Wednesday afternoon when he crossed the center line of state Highway 242 (the McKenzie Highway), was thrown from the motorcycle and struck by a pickup truck, Oregon State Police reported.

The crash was reported shortly before 4 p.m. near milepost 56, in the area of Belknap Hot Springs, said OSP Capt. Bill Fugate.

While en route to the crash, troopers learned the motorcycle operator had died at the scene. He was later identified as Brady Williams of Eugene.

A preliminary investigation found that Williams was heading east on a 2015 Yamaha when he failed to negotiate a right-hand corner and crossed the center line.

Fugate said Williams was thrown from the motorcycle and struck by a 2001 Toyota Tacoma driven by Lori Fleischmann, 35, of Portland. Troopers said Fleischmann and her passenger were unhurt.

The crash and investigation closed Highway 242 for about five hours.

“Speed is being considered as a contributing factor of the crash,” OSP said in a news release..