NEWS

Victim of 'extreme speed' motorcycle crash identified

David Murray
dmurray@greatfallstribune.com

The deceased driver of an "extreme speed" motorcycle crash that happened Monday night on 10th Avenue South in Great Falls has been identified as 27-year-old Caleb Daniel Schendel.

According to a police spokesman, Schendel was traveling east on 10th Avenue at an "extreme speed" Monday night, when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a small retaining wall. Schendel died from his injuries either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

"At 10:15 p.m. on July 6th (Monday night), we had a reported crash at 13th Street and 10th Avenue South," said Sgt. Bryan Slavik, spokesman for the Great Falls Police Department. "When the officers arrived they found the driver of the motorcycle and the motorcycle both flew eastbound for a considerable distance ... a long ways. The impact was severe."

"The male driver of the motorcycle was found injured and completely unresponsive," Slavik said. "He was treated at the scene by the emergency services and the Great Falls Fire/Rescue. He was transported to the emergency room in a short time, but later succumbed to his injuries and passed away."

It does not appear that any other vehicles were involved in the crash, and there was no other person on the motorcycle.

"The preliminary indication is that extreme high speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the crash," Slavik said.

A preliminary crash investigation indicates the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on 10th Avenue South when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle, jumped the curb at the southeast corner of the intersection with 13th Street, and hit a small retaining barrier adjacent to the the building where T J's Lounge once operated.

Slavik said the motorcycle basically "disintegrated" following the crash.

"I can't stress that enough - how much damage was done," he said. "The specifics on how far the motorcycle flew, its pieces and things like that are all under investigation, but it's very apparent he was traveling at an extreme rate of speed."

"If you saw the motorcycle, you'd see why we know extreme speeds were involved," Slavik added. "There's basically nothing left."

The speed limit on that section of 10th Ave. South is 35 mph.

Police investigators are asking for information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

"The Montana Highway Patrol has joined us in investigating the crash. We are requesting that any persons who may have witnessed the crash to contact our lead investigator, Officer Steve Scheer."

Scheer can be reached during regular business hours (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) at 406-455-8501. He is available at any other time of the day at 406-455-8662, or by e-mail at sscheer@greatfallsmt.net.