Published: August 27, 2008 11:31 pm      

Motorcyclist identified in fatal accident

State Police identified a Massachusetts man as the motorcyclist who was killed in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday evening in Greenbrier County.

Senior Trooper J.S. Syner confirmed that Richard Lavallee, 66, of Uxbridge, Mass., died after being struck head-on by another vehicle on Interstate 64 between the Lewisburg and Alta exits. Lavallee was driving a 2008 Honda motorcycle and was struck by a 1997 Dodge Neon driven by Anthony Thomas, 16, of Williamsburg.

“Thomas was traveling west on I-64 when he lost control of his vehicle, entered the median and then re-entered the interstate in the eastbound lane but continued to travel west in the wrong direction,” Syner said. “Thomas drove for approximately one-quarter of a mile until he struck the motorcycle head-on.”

Thomas had to be extricated from his vehicle after the accident and was flown to Charleston Area Medical Center where he was in critical condition Wednesday. Syner said it was uncertain why Thomas veered off the road and the accident remained under investigation. No charges had been filed as of Wednesday, Syner said.

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