Illinois man dies in motorcycle accident near Cody

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A 56-year-old Illinois man, Joe Lees, died in a motorcycle accident on WY 120 near Cody on October 5. The accident occurred around 7:03 p.m. when Lees, who was driving a rental motorcycle, failed to slow down as the speed limit dropped. The Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to the scene at milepost 101.3 on Depot Drive, where the road went from 70 to 45 and 35 mph.

Lees continued straight as the road turned right and headed southeast on WY 120. The motorcycle struck a concrete curb on the opposite side of the street, went onto the side of the sidewalk and then crashed into a metal delineator. This impact separated Lees from the motorcycle. The motorcycle then crashed through a right-of-way fence and plunged down a steep embankment.

Investigators determined that speed likely played a role in the crash. At this point the road was dry and the weather was clear, ruling out poor conditions as a cause. Lees was not wearing a helmet during the accident.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

This story contains preliminary information provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol via the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Fatal Crash Summary map. The information is subject to change.

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