It’s been a tragic start to August on Wyoming roads, with two out-of-state motorcyclists losing their lives in separate crashes just days apart — both ahead of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The first crash happened Thursday, July 31, in Fremont County. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 67-year-old Mark Byrd of San Diego lost control of his bike while rounding a curve on WY-135, just south of Riverton. His motorcycle veered off the road and traveled nearly 400 feet before crashing into a fence.
Byrd, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene. Investigators say speed and rider fatigue may have played a role in the accident.
The next day, another fatal crash happened across the state in Niobrara County. This time, 73-year-old Joseph Pandolfi of South Daytona, Florida, was riding on US 85 when he turned into the Mule Creek Junction Rest Area — straight into the path of an oncoming SUV.
Pandolfi wasn’t wearing a helmet and died on the scene. His passenger, 64-year-old Kathleen Marin (also of South Daytona), was rushed to Niobrara County Memorial Hospital and remains hospitalized. The SUV driver was treated and released from the hospital.
The highway patrol says rider inattention is being considered in that crash.
With thousands of bikers rolling through Wyoming en route to the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, WHP says it will be ramping up patrols across eastern and northeastern parts of the state. Troopers will be on the lookout for reckless or unsafe riding, speeding, and DUI violations.
The message from law enforcement is clear: Slow down, stay alert, and ride safe.
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