Tri-Cities motorcyclist critically hurt after losing control of Harley near Kennewick

A 50-year-old motorcycle rider is in critical condition after crashing on Highway 397 south of Kennewick and Finley on Sunday.

Kelly J. Barton of Kennewick was reportedly going too fast when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson and crashed into a ditch, the Washington State Patrol said in a traffic memo.

He was heading west on the two-lane highway toward Interstate 82 when he crashed at 3:50 p.m.

Several bystanders stopped to help until paramedics could get there, according to dispatch reports.

Barton remained Monday at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland where he was listed in critical condition, hospital officials said.

The WSP cited him for driving too fast for that road.

This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 11:51 AM.