Edgewood Motorcyclist Killed in Multi Car Collision

A 39 year-old man was killed in a five car collision when he ran into the back of a slower moving pick up on State Route (SR) 167 at 31st Avenue Court East in Pierce County.

The May 15th incident occurred at approximately 3:27 a.m. when the State Patrol received a report of a three car versus motorcycle collision southbound on SR 167 at 31st Avenue Court East (River Road). 39 year-old Michael J. Bartholomew of Edgewood was driving a red 2006 Honda CBR600 southbound on SR 167, in lane one of two, at a high rate of speed when he drove into the back of a slower moving pick up. The pick up, a red 1994 GMC Sonoma, was driven by David R. Randle of Fox Island. Bartholomew was ejected from his motorcycle on contact and landed between lanes one and two of the southbound lanes. Bartholomew’s motorcycle slid into lane two of the northbound lanes. A Good Samaritan, Charles B. Badgely of Tacoma, who was passing in the northbound lanes, saw Bartholomew lying in the roadway, made a u-turn and parked to block southbound traffic. A white 1995 Ford Taurus, driven by Georgia M. Willer of Tacoma was northbound in lane one and was struck by the front wheel as it became detached from the rest of the motorcycle. A silver 2007 Chevrolet Aveo, driven by Paul L. Crandall was northbound in lane two when it struck the motorcycle, pushing it back into lane one of the southbound lanes where it hit the front of Badgely’s car and came to rest on the right shoulder.

Randle and Crandall were both transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. Sadly Bartholomew, who had a motorcycle endorsement and was wearing a helmet, sustained life threatening injuries and died at the scene.

Troopers at the scene believe speed was a contributing factor in this tragic and preventable collision. At this time it is unsure if alcohol was involved. Both northbound and lanes of SR 167 were blocked for approximately four hours for the investigation.