Deputies: Biker missed bridge, plunged into creek

By Amelia A. Pridemore
Register-Herald Reporter

June 29, 2009 09:24 pm

— Raleigh County sheriff’s deputies say the motorcyclist who wrecked in the Coal River Valley Sunday afternoon missed a wooden bridge and plunged into a creek.
Around 5 p.m. Sunday, Stephen Ray Foster, 53, of Glen Daniel, was driving a 1973 Harley-Davidson west on Coal River Road (W.Va. 3) in Dameron, according to a release from Deputy R.D. Utt. He apparently tried to make a left turn onto a wooden bridge leading to his residence.
Foster apparently missed the bridge and plunged 20 feet into a creek, according to Utt.
Bystanders rushed to Foster’s aid and performed first aid until responders could arrive, Utt said. Foster was taken to a nearby landing zone, where he was flown to Charleston Area Medical Center, via Health Net helicopter.
Foster was listed as under evaluation at Charleston Area Medical Center Monday evening.
Utt said charges are pending.
Deputy J.L. Redden and the Trap Hill and Coal River fire departments assisted.