Published: July 15, 2008 02:45 pm      

Rider killed in motorcycle crash

Accident happened on Fairston Road

Johnnie Powers, 34, of London, died after he reportedly hit a ditch and was thrown from his motorcycle Friday morning.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Mitchell, said about 2:30 a.m., deputies were called to Fariston Road in response to the incident.

Through the course of the investigation, Mitchell determined that Powers was riding with an unidentified friend, when he lost control of his bike, left the roadway, and slid through some shrubs before striking a ditch.

“At that point, he was ejected from the motorcycle and hit a tree,” Mitchell said. “After hitting the tree, he traveled another 17 feet.”

A unit from Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County also responded to the scene. However, Powers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mitchell said the other rider was in front of Powers so he could not provide deputies with any information about what may have caused Powers to lose control of the motorcycle. However, Mitchell said use of drugs or alcohol has been ruled out as a possible cause.

Mitchell said the area where the wreck occurred is a sharp curve.

Mitchell is continuing the investigation. He was assisted at the scene by Sergeant Daryl Zanet and Deputy Richard Sapcut.