Motorcycle rider dies in crash near Grand Coulee

GRAND COULEE - A 57-year-old motorcycle rider died Sunday night after reportedly crossing the center line on state Route 174 about three miles west of Grand Coulee and colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

Newton C. Pereira, of Maryland, was riding a 2013 Harley Davidson east on SR 174 just before 9:30 p.m. when he crossed the center line and struck an oncoming 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Both vehicles came to rest blocking the road, according to the State Patrol.

Pereira was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a DOT-compliant helmet.

The driver of the Chevrolet, James Rikeo, 38, of Spokane, and his two passengers, Samuel Longmour, 57, of Oklahoma, and Nish H. Livai, 18, of Spokane, were all injured and transported to Coulee Medical Center. Two of the victims had been discharged by Monday afternoon, and the third had been transferred to another facility, according to CMC officials.

The State Patrol is still investigating the cause of the crash and it is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were involved.