Motorcyclist Crashes Into Elk Near Orting

ORTING, WA - Two people were seriously injured Tuesday night after crashing into an elk along SR 162 east of Orting, according to Washington State Patrol. The crash happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday about five miles east of Orting, according to state patrol.

Curtis Ketner, 51, of Orting, was driving eastbound with one passenger, Melissa Whitmore, 27, of Lake Tapps. As the motorcycle reached milepost 15, an elk was standing in the road, and Ketner drove into it. The crash and subsequent investigation closed 162 for more than three hours.

Ketner and Whitmore were both take to Tacoma General for treatment. State patrol is pursuing charges of DUI and vehicular assault against Ketner, although the incident is still under investigation.

There have been several recent serious encounters between motorcyclists and wildlife in Washington. On Aug. 23, a motorcyclist died after he was involved in an accident with a "large scavenger bird" in Jefferson County. On Aug. 22, two motorcyclists were severely injured after hitting a black bear on U.S. 101 out on the Olympic Peninsula.

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