Schuylkill Haven man dies in motorcycle crash [Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.]

June 19--ORWIGSBURG -- A 23-year-old Schuylkill Haven man died when the motorcycle he was driving crashed along Route 61 in North Manheim Township early Monday morning.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Joseph Pothering pronounced Ronald R. McKay III dead at the scene at 11:19 a.m. in front of Seltzer Insurance Group.

Pothering said county Coroner Dr. David Moylan will examine McKay's body to determine if an autopsy is required.

State police Trooper Eric Reber of the Schuylkill Haven station said the crash occurred between 12:30 and 1 a.m. as McKay was driving a 2005 Honda CBR600RR5 motorcycle south at a high speed.

In front of the insurance agency, and just south of CJ's Tire Automotive Services, McKay went off the right side of the road and onto the berm, traveled about 20 feet in the grass and hit a metal sign post with the handlebars, Reber said.

Hitting the sign made the motorcycle turn sideways and begin overturning while continuing south through the grass, Reber said.

About 160 feet after hitting the metal sign, McKay was thrown from the bike when it hit a rock, Reber said. McKay flew about 25 feet and hit a tree while the motorcycle hit a tree about eight feet off the ground, 33 feet past the rock and continued 56 feet through trees and brush before coming to a stop.

Authorities at the scene said family and friends found McKay just after 10 a.m. Monday by using the GPS tracking in his cellphone.

Orwigsburg firefighters and EMS, Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS and Orwigsburg fire police assisted at the scene that closed the right lane of Route 61 for more than an hour.

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