A Bend man was killed in a crash Monday night when he lost control of his motorcycle on a curve and struck a concrete post on Northeast 8^th Street.  According to witnesses and police, excessive speed appears to be the primary cause of the accident.

Bend Police officers responded to the scene near Northeast Dyer on Northeast 8^th Street about 8:20 p.m. on August 21 and found the only person involved had received life-threatening injuries from the crash.  According to Lt. John Gautney, rescue efforts were begun by Bend Police officers and continued by Bend Fire paramedics when they arrived on scene. 

Andrew James Michaelis, a 24-year-old Bend resident was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center-Bend where he later died.

Accident scene on Northeast 8th Street, Bend.  Photo courtesy of Bend Police

Witnesses to the crash said the motorcycle was headed southbound on Northeast 8^th Street at a very high rate of speed and failed to make a sweeping left-hand curve.  The rider hit the curb, lost control of the 2006 Suzuki motorcycle and struck a 2-foot by 2-foot concrete post. The impact with the post was so severe that it ripped the motorcycle apart and ejected the rider from the bike upon impact, said Gautney. Michaelis was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, the lieutenant added.

Preliminary investigation indicates the primary cause of the crash was due to excessive speed.  Alcohol may also have been a factor but test results are not yet available.