Kennewick motorcyclist seriously hurt after crashing and hitting 2 cars on Highway 397

A 64-year-old Kennewick man was seriously hurt this week when he lost control of his motorcycle on Highway 397.

Monty E. Gilbert was heading south on the highway, which is also known as Chemical Drive, just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to a Washington State Patrol memo. He was between Yew Street and Finely Road when he wiped out on his Honda.

Investigators said he crossed the center line and struck a guardrail. He was thrown from the bike.

The motorcycle continued and then collided with a Ford Ranger and a Nissan Sentra.

Gilbert was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. WSP Trooper Chris Thorson said on Twitter that his injuries were serious. He was wearing a helmet.

An update on his condition was not immediately available.

The other two drivers, Madeline E. Scheer, 21, of Kennewick, and Adriana Oropeza Martinez, 50, of Kennewick, were not hurt.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused Gilbert to crash. He has not been cited at this point.

This story was originally published August 16, 2023 at 11:58 AM.