Motorcyclist Dies In Valley Crash

A 32-year-old man died Thursday when he wrecked his motorcycle in the Spokane Valley, the Washington State Patrol reported.

The collision occurred about 8:30 p.m. near Broadway and Evergreen.

Russell M. Ford, who lived in the Valley, died of massive head injuries about 45 minutes after the crash, troopers said.

Ford was driving his 1979 Suzuki 1000 west on Broadway when an eastbound Chrysler two-door driven by Mikel Strand started to make a left turn into a parking lot, according to WSP.

Strand saw the motorcycle coming and stopped, troopers said.

Ford, who was wearing a helmet, lost control of the Suzuki as he tried to avoid Strand’s car. The motorcycle tipped over and he was thrown into the Chrysler, troopers said.