ELLSWORTH COUNTY, KS — A fatal motorcycle accident occurred just before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on Kansas 140 Highway, one mile east of Kansas 156.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by 65-year-old William E. Byrd of Ellsworth, was traveling westbound when it veered off the roadway into the north ditch, struck a culvert, and became airborne. Byrd was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ellsworth Police Department, Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office, Ellsworth County EMS, Ellsworth County Fire, and EagleMed / MedTrans Global Medical, arrived at the location. Byrd was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
The investigation is ongoing, and the motorcycle has been towed from the scene. Further details will be released as they become available.