A Newcastle man was killed early Saturday morning when his motorcycle went off the road in Jefferson near the intersection of Rt. 213 and Johnson Point Road.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Charles Sutherland, Sr., 55, was northbound on Rt. 213, nearing the intersection of Johnson Point Road when he apparently failed to negotiate a corner, went off the road and into the woods at approximately 5:10 a.m. June 19.
Sutherland was thrown off his motorcycle and struck his head. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Following standard procedure a blood sample was drawn for testing but LCSO investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved. Speed is also not considered a contributing factor. Although the investigation continues, there were no witnesses and nothing to indicate a specific cause to the accident.
“There was nothing suspicious,” said LCSO Major Ken Mason. “It just appears to be an unfortunate accident.”
LCSO deputies were assisted at the scene by units from Jefferson Fire and Rescue. Deputy Peter Kenyon is leading the accident investigation, with assistance by LCSO accident re-constructionist Chad Gilbert.
