Second rider still sought in fatal wreck

Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office detectives this week were still searching for the second motorcyclist involved in a Monday afternoon wreck that claimed the life of a South Kitsap man.

According to spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson, Daniel Jay Buckingham, 47, was found dead at the base of a utility pole his motorcycle had apparently crashed into on J.M. Dickenson Road around 4:20 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24.

He was wearing a helmet.

Wilson said witnesses reported Buckingham and another motorcyclist appeared to be racing southbound between May Ranch and Alpine Lake roads when Buckingham apparently lost control of his motorcycle.

Sheriff’s investigators determined that Buckingham struggled for more than 500 feet to right his vehicle — a black, 1981 Yamaha XS1100 — before it struck the pole. Based on witnesses’ accounts and the fact that his motorcycle continued more than 50 feet away from the pole, traffic investigators believe Buckingham was driving in an extremely reckless manner and at an extremely high rate of speed.

It is still unknown whether alcohol, drugs or mechanical problems contributed to the crash.

The second motorcyclist fled the scene and, as of Thursday, had not been identified or located.

Wilson said witnesses could give little information about the second motorcyclist and are still seeking information about the collision, which detoured traffic to Lake Flora and Lake Helena roads for several hours.

Anyone who may have witnessed any part of this incident is asked to contact Deputy Dave Green, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division, at (360) 337-4634.

Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-CRIME-13.

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