Motorcyclist dies after colliding with utility pole in Independence
One person died and another is injured after two motorcycle crashes in Independence Thursday night, police said.
A 2021 Indian motorcycle drove west around 11:30 p.m. on U.S. 24 Highway before Elsea Smith Road when the motorcycle left the highway and collided with a utility pole, according to a news release.
The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene, said Sgt. Steven Boles, an Independence police spokesman.
Boles said a second crash occurred when the driver of a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle witnessed the first crash and attempted to stop.
The Harley-Davidson also left the highway and the driver was unable to stop before crashing, Boles said. The Harley-Davidson driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
Excessive speed was likely a contributing factor in both crashes, according to preliminary findings in the Independence Police Department’s investigation.
An investigation into what led to the crashes is ongoing.
This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 6:46 AM.
