Cycle fatality β Speed, alcohol suspected in fatal Weston County motorcycle crash
Speed and possible alcohol use are being investigated as factors in a fatal motorcycle crash that killed a Newcastle man last week in Weston County, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 2:17 p.m. Oct. 23 on U.S. Highway 85 near mile marker 252, about 22 miles north of Newcastle. Troopers said that a 2016 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy driven by John Fowler, 55, of Newcastle, failed to negotiate a left-hand curve and left the roadway.
Investigators said the motorcycle struck an elevated driveway at a high rate of speed, went airborne for about 130 feet, then hit a tree and began rolling. Fowler was thrown from the bike and died at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, troopers said.
Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was traveling more than 100 mph before leaving the road, and investigators believe Fowler may have been drinking before the crash.
The Highway Patrol reminded riders to obey speed limits, wear helmets and never drink and ride.
This was the 103rd traffic fatality on Wyoming roads this year, compared with 89 at this time in 2024 and 119 in 2023, according to the agency.