Alaska State Troopers say the Taylor Highway remains closed Friday night, after a Washington man died when his motorcycle veered across the center line and struck an oncoming recreational vehicle.
According to AST spokesperson Beth Ipsen, 63-year-old Roy Ovist of Lakewood, Wash. was declared dead at the scene of the crash, at roughly Mile 8.6 of the highway.
Troopers say Ovist was riding a 2006 BMW R1200RT sport touring cycle. He was headed north on the highway, about two miles away from a friend on another motorcycle with whom he was traveling, when he collided with a 40.5-foot-long motorhome driven by John A. Sharps Jr., 67, of Livingston, Texas.
Ipsen says the crash occurred on a straight stretch of the highway between two curves, with a reported break in the pavement. Evidence at the scene indicates that Ovist may have tried to brake in the moments before the two vehicles struck.
"He was riding north and something happened where he crossed the road and headed into the path of a motorhome," Ipsen said. "There appears to be a long skid mark up to the point of impact."
Medics from Tok reached the scene just after 11:20 a.m. but declared Ovist, who was wearing a helmet, dead after they arrived. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
The Taylor Highway is expected to remain closed until 8 p.m. as troopers investigate the collision, with Department of Transportation crews placing a barricade at the highway's junction with the Alaska Highway.
Ipsen says drivers on the highway are diverting to Chicken at Mile 66, the nearest stop for gas, food and lodging.
Ovist's next of kin have been notified, and troopers say there are no indications that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
Editor's note: Alaska State Troopers have corrected Roy Ovist's last name from "Orvis," as initially stated by officials.
Contact Chris Klint