March 29, 2024

One dead, one injured in late-night motorcycle crash Friday

KELLOGG — One man is dead and his passenger injured after their motorcycle reportedly struck a mailbox and vaulted off a driveway late Friday night on US Highway 6, east of Newton.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, 45-year-old Justin Smith, of Brooklyn, was fatally injured in the 10:58 p.m. crash, while his passenger, 40-year-old Christine Carson of Oskaloosa, was transported from the scene by air ambulance to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

The passenger’s condition was not known by presstime Monday.

A report states that Smith was riding eastbound when his motorcycle failed to make a curve at the 177-mile marker before striking a mailbox and vaulting the driveway.

The case is still under investigation, but the troopers report speed and alcohol were likely factors in the crash.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Kellogg and Newton Fire Departments also assisted at the scene.