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Motorcyclist dies in Highway 3A accident

The victim from Saskatchewan was travelling with his son, who witnessed the fatal accident
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August 14

A father and son motorcycling pair were run off the road by an out-of-control SUV on Highway 3A at about 3 p.m. Tuesday. The father didn't survive the incident.

Clifford Wright, 66, of Swift Current, Sask, was riding his motorcycle in the eastbound lane through Shoreacres, heading towards Playmor Junction. His adult son was on a separate bike behind him.

The section of highway where the incident occurred is three lanes wide, with two westbound passing lanes. According to a press release from RCMP, the SUV — driven by a Winlaw resident — was in the passing lane overtaking a logging truck when it lost control and drove into oncoming eastbound traffic just as the motorcyclists were approaching.

Wright and his son took evasive action.

"[Wright] braked and then put the bike on its side," RCMP wrote in the release, noting that in the process the man tumbled and suffered serious injuries, while his son behind him was able to stop safely.

Wright was transported to Kootenay Lake Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A collision analyst from Cranbrook attended and examined the scene. Traffic on Highway 3A was limited to single lane alternating traffic during the investigation.

Victim services were called out and are assisting the family, in particular the son who witnessed his father's death.

RCMP West Kootenay Traffic Services are seeking the public's assistance and requesting that anyone who witnessed this incident, or the events leading up to the incident, to please contact Cpl. John Ferguson at 250-354-5183.