Motorcyclist hospitalized after Highway 397 crash south of Finley

A motorcycle rider was rushed to a hospital after hitting a concrete barrier on Highway 397 near Finley.

Kristopher R. Kienel, 30, of Kennewick, was heading north on the highway when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle between Finley and Morton roads around 9:20 p.m. Friday, the Washington State Patrol said. He veered across the highway and slammed into a barrier.

He was flown to Providence-Sacred Heart Medical Center, a family member said on Facebook. His condition was not immediately available. The family member said he had broken bones and internal injuries.

Kienel was wearing a helmet.

Investigators believe he was driving too fast for the conditions, the State Patrol said.

The crash closed the highway for about an hour.

This story was originally published August 10, 2019 at 10:04 AM.