BELLINGHAM - A Bellingham motorcyclist has died from his injuries after crashing into a pickup truck on Iowa Street.
Christopher M. Whitbeck, 28, was speeding at "65-plus mph" Tuesday morning, July 10, when he crashed his 2006 Honda CBR sport bike head-on into a westbound Nissan Titan, said Bellingham Police spokesman Mark Young.
Whitbeck was unconscious when taken to St. Joseph hospital and died overnight. Police were informed of his death Wednesday morning.
Jason King, the driver of the pickup, saw the motorcycle coming from about 200 feet away, but thought he had time to make a left turn onto Racine Street. He was starting to turn about 11:20 a.m. when he slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the speeding motorcycle, King said.
Whitbeck wobbled, swerved and accelerated as he tried to get past the truck, King said. But the motorcycle smashed into the front of the Nissan, sending Whitbeck 65 feet through the air, Young said.
Police confirmed - through skid marks, other witnesses and the severity of the damage to truck - Whitbeck was going about twice the 35 mph speed limit on Iowa Street.
King probably won't be cited in the crash, Young said.
Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.
