On July 2, 2015 at 7:11 a.m. a crash was reported to Metro 911. The crash occurred on Coal River Road near Mountain Breeze Lane. A pickup truck crossed the center line in a curve and struck a motorcycle in a head-on crash.
The motorcyclist was thrown from the bike during the crash causing serious injuries. The driver of the pickup truck, Mathew Smith (21 years old of Hurricane, WV), had minor injuries but was not transported by ambulance.
The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at an area hospital as a result of his injuries. His name was Richard “Dick” Smoot, 67 years old of Tornado, WV.
Coal River Road was closed from the time of the crash until 10:18 a.m. for an investigation into the matter. Investigators have collected evidence and taken measurements. The evidence and information will have to be reviewed before any causes or contributing factors are sure.