A New Bethlehem man died in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Route 66 and Old Route 899 in Jenks Township on Sunday afternoon, according to Marienville state police.
William F. Smead III, 26, was traveling at a high rate of speed on a 1997 Honda CBR600 at 3:36 p.m. when he was unable to negotiate a right curve, according to police. The motorcycle turned over onto its side and then traveled about 54 feet and struck a concrete island.
Both Smead and the motorcycle became airborne in a south direction on Old Route 899, police said. Smead struck a road sign and was found on the ground about 28 feet from the island, police said, and the motorcycle traveled uncontrolled through a grassy area between Route 66 and Old Route 899, crossed Old Route 899 and came to a final rest about 285 feet south of the island.
Forest County Coroner Norman Wymer pronounced Smead dead at the scene.
