LOGAN — Law enforcement has released the identity of the 53-year-old Logan man who died and two people who were injured Sunday afternoon after a motorcycle struck an SUV on U.S. Highway 91 near Richmond.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at about 3:59 p.m. at the intersection of southbound U.S. 91 and 11600 North, near the Campbell Snacks plant.
Authorities said Gonzalo Rosalio Grajeda was operating a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide traveling southbound on the highway. At the same time, a Ford Expedition driven by Savannah May Wickham, 25, of Beaver Dam, was stopped on 11600 North before attempting to cross U.S. 91 to travel westbound.
As the Expedition entered the intersection, Grajeda’s motorcycle approached and struck the passenger side of the SUV broadside.
Grajeda, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office.
UHP Lt. Cade Brenchley said investigators are looking into excessive speed on the part of the motorcycle as a potential factor in the crash.
“There was a couple of witnesses that felt like the motorcycle may have been traveling at a pretty high speed, weaving in and out of cars,” stated Brenchley. “That may have played a factor in her not seeing him initially, because she said, ‘I saw a car.’ He might have been coming up behind the car and then whipping out around it. We don’t know for sure, that’s just speculation at this point. So basically what it boils down to is there’s—we’re investigating whether, you know, some speed and aggressive driving played a factor on the motorcycle part.”
Both occupants of the Ford Expedition were properly restrained by seat belts, troopers said. Savannah Wickham sustained injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Cache Valley Specialty Hospital.
Her front-seat passenger, Stephen Benjamin Wickham, 52, also of Beaver Dam, sustained severe injuries. First responders initially transported him by ground ambulance to Cache Valley Specialty Hospital before a medical helicopter airlifted him to Ogden Regional Medical Center.
Friends of Grajeda have posted remembrances on social media, calling him an amazing man who will be missed. Others said he had a positive presence, and carried hope and help to others. Memorial services are still being arranged.