Two people were killed in motorcycle crashes in Wyoming late last week, contributing to a particularly deadly summer on the state’s roads, which are experiencing more motorcycle traffic as thousands of riders travel to from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Since July 19, three people have been killed and two others injured in motorcycle crashes in the Cowboy State, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. All of those killed were older than 66, and two of the crashes did not involve other vehicles.
There have been 65 fatal vehicle crashes — resulting in 72 deaths — in Wyoming this year, including 17 fatal crashes in July. Last year, the state recorded 102 total fatal crashes but just five in July.
The 17 people killed this July represent the most for the month since at least 2021.
Friday marked the start of the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, which lasts throughSunday.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reported a 7.6% increase in motorcycles and other vehicles entering Sturgis over the past few days compared with the average from the previous five years. The Wyoming Highway Patrol said in a recent Facebook post that drivers need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists.
“If you’ve noticed a lot more motorcycles on the road, it’s not just you,” the WHP said. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is underway, and that means a big increase in motorcycles on Wyoming roadways over the next few weeks. Be aware, and help keep our roads safe with responsible driving and riding.”
Fatal crashes
On July 19, a 66-year-old man was killed riding east of Gillette near the South Dakota line, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported. No other vehicles were involved. Road conditions were dry and the weather was clear. The rider was not wearing a helmet.
On Thursday, a 67-year-old man died in a crash near Riverton. Highway Patrol officials said in a statement the crash happened on State Highway 135 south of Riverton involving a 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRX.
“During the turn, the bike began to wobble and the rider lost control, driving off the side of the road into a ditch,” the WHP said. “The motorcycle traveled about 400 feet before hitting a fence. The bike flipped at least twice, throwing the rider off the bike.”
The rider, Mark Byrd of San Diego, died on the scene. He was wearing a helmet, WHP officials said.
State troopers suspect rider fatigue and speed may have contributed to the crash.
On Friday, a 73-year-old rider was killed in a crash that also injured a motorcycle passenger.
The collision happened south of Newcastle at about 5:21 p.m., when a 2025 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, headed northbound on U.S. Highway 85, turned left into the Mule Creek Junction Rest Area — right into the path of a northbound 2019 Toyota 4Runner.
The rider, Joseph Pandolfi of South Daytona, Florida, was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene, WHP officials said. A passenger, Kathleen Marin, 64, also of South Daytona, was transported to Niobrara County Memorial Hospital.
The driver of the 4Runner was also hurt and taken to the same hospital before being released.
“Rider inattention on the part of Pandolfi is being looked at as a possible cause in this crash,” WHP officials said.
Crashes In Sturgis
As more bikers take to the roads this week, WHP officials said they will increase patrols in western and northwestern Wyoming, looking for unsafe riders and drivers.
“Stay vigilant, be aware, wear the proper riding gear and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” the WHP warns. “Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone who uses our roadways to be vigilant and be aware as many more motorcycles than usual will be on the road over the next few weeks due to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“This increase in motorcycles means it is critical to be aware of riders and share the road accordingly.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, there have been 20 vehicle accidents involving injuries Saturday through Monday in the Sturgis and Rapid City areas — six more than during the same time period last year. One crash has been fatal since Saturday.
“Slow down on curves!” the South Dakota Highway Patrol wrote on its Facebook page on Monday. “While negotiating curves avoid lane driving and hugging the center lines. We’ve had several crashes due to failure to negotiate the curves and this will help you have a safe rally!”
Justin George can be reached at justin@cowboystatedaily.com.
