Here’s what led to I-82 motorcycle crash. GoFundMe started for father and son

A brief hailstorm contributed to a motorcycle crash on Interstate 82 near Benton City that injured a father and a son Saturday. They were headed home from a celebratory birthday ride.

The motorcycle driver, Kyle Groves, 41, of Cle Elum, Wash., faces multiple surgeries to repair damage to his face, clavicle, knee and leg, according to a GoFundMe started to help the Graves family.

“The road to recovery will be long and challenging,” according to the fundraising post.

Hunter Groves, 14, a passenger on the Kawasaki motorcycle, had less severe injuries.

He has a broken hand and wrist that will require surgery, along with a broken leg, according to the GoFundMe.

The two had just completed a 100-mile motorcycle ride with friends to celebrate Kyle Groves’ birthday and were heading home after dinner Saturday evening, according to the GoFundMe. A friend was riding with them.

“Shortly after 6 p.m., the group rode through a brief hailstorm,” according to the GoFundMe. “ As the storm cleared, the sudden glare of the sun on the slick roadway made it nearly impossible to see.”

The motorcycle was heading west through a curve just east of the Benton City exit at I-82, according to the GoFundMe.

Kyle Groves lost control and the motorcycle crashed into the center median. Both the father and teen were taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

Charges are pending, according to the Washington State Patrol.

“While we are incredibly grateful that both Kyle and Hunter are still with us, the financial burden from medical bills, surgeries and recovery expenses will be significant,” said the GoFundMe started by a family friend.

Donate at bit.ly/3PP2fJp.