Motorcycle rider dies in collision near Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A motorcycle rider from Coulee City died in a single-vehicle collision near Soap Lake on Monday.

About 12:25 p.m. Benjamin Coates, 78, of Coulee City, was driving a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle south on state Route 17, about 13 miles north of Soap Lake, when he allegedly passed three vehicles, despite being in a no-passing zone before rounding a curve. Coates reportedly moved back into the southbound lane before losing control of his motorcycle, driving off of the road onto the right shoulder and striking a rock wall, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Coates died at the scene of the collision. The patrol reports the cause of the collision was Coates speeding too fast and passing in the no-passing zone. SR-17 was closed between Coulee City and Soap Lake for several hours on Monday as police officials investigated the collision.

— Staff writer