Payson Roundup

A Pennsylvania man died Sunday afternoon about 20 miles south of Payson on Highway 87 after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail, Arizona Department of Public Safety officials said Monday.

Two men, neither of whom wore helmets, were riding motorcycles southbound, slightly above the 65-mile-per-hour speed limit just after 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon when both crashed, said Officer Steve Iker.

“The rider that didn’t make it just lost control of his bike,” Iker said. “We’re not sure on the second one what happened. Either he was trying to avoid the first male or watching him instead of the road.”

The accident site, at milepost 231, is a straightaway, but situated in between two curves, Iker said.

Two helicopters, six DPS officers, and one Gila County Sheriff’s deputy responded. Both men were airlifted to a Valley hospital, but the Pennsylvania man died en route. He was in his early 60s.

The first man, who is from Arizona, was reportedly standing at the scene. Iker didn’t know the male’s age or what city he was from.

An investigation continues, however Iker said he doubted any charges would be filed. Alcohol is not suspected.