Motorcyclist dies in Wasilla-Fishhook crash

WASILLA -- An accident at Mile 9.5 Wasilla-Fishhook Road claimed the life of a motorcycle rider Friday evening, when his motorcycle veered off the road.

Gary K. Westmoreland, 48, of Anchorage, was riding a 2001 Ducati when, according to reports from Alaska State Troopers, he failed to negotiate a turn. He and friend Mark Haldane, on a second motorcycle, were reportedly heading toward Wasilla after riding to the Motherlode Lodge in Hatcher Pass.

According to trooper reports and reports of event attendees at the Anchorage A.B.A.T.E.'s Freeze Up Run, held over the weekend at Sutton's Alpine Inn, Westmoreland and Haldane were headed to Sutton through Wasilla when the accident happened. Haldane was reportedly riding in the lead as the two rounded the corner, and he did not immediately notice Westmoreland was missing. According to trooper reports, Haldane backtracked from near Wasilla to the site of the crash at Mile 9.5. In the meantime, a passer-by had called for emergency medical technicians and troopers to respond to the scene.

Westmoreland was taken to Valley Hospital, where he was declared deceased.

According to trooper reports, Westmoreland wore a full leather riding suit and a full-face helmet. Troopers did not indicate there was another vehicle involved in the crash, and they did not believe alcohol played a part in the accident. Trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson said Monday Westmoreland's body was being sent to Anchorage for positive identification and a toxicology screening.

Organizers of the Valley A.B.A.T.E. -- Alaska Bikers Advocate Training and Education -- group said this is the second fatal motorcycle crash this year on Wasilla-Fishhook Road.

"We've warned our riders not to use that road," said Carl Seutter, Valley A.B.A.T.E. board member

Ted Kautz, run coordinator of Anchorage A.B.A.T.E. said the accident was an unfortunate way to start off their last fundraiser of the year. The group collected nearly $650 over the weekend for the organization's Downed Bikers fund, money that goes to assist families of bikers who have had accidents.