Motorcyclist dies in Fairbanks collision; second fatality in a week
FAIRBANKS, AK — A motorcyclist died Saturday following a collision at the intersection of Geist and Loftus roads.
According to Alaska State Troopers, the motorcyclist was traveling east on Geist Road when a vehicle turning left onto Loftus Road struck them. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, and their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This incident marks the second motorcycle fatality in Fairbanks within a week. Early on July 19, 19-year-old Aiden Cowles died after his motorcycle collided with a bicycle at the intersection of 10th Avenue and the Steese Highway. Investigators found Cowles was traveling south with a green traffic signal when the bicycle entered the intersection against a red signal.
Cowles was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The bicyclist fled the scene but was later contacted by police. That investigation is ongoing.
Additionally, a motorcyclist was seriously injured Friday in a crash involving a truck pulling a trailer on the Parks Highway near Cantwell. The injured rider was also transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. According to troopers, distracted driving is considered a contributing factor in that incident.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in any of the incidents, and investigations are active.