Reckless driving may be the cause of a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred near the intersection of Eubank and Candelaria Wednesday afternoon. Spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department Gilbert Gallegos said the motorcyclist was reportedly trying to flip off another driver when he hit a speed limit sign in the median.
“The motorcycle was southbound on Eubank and a witness stated the motorcycle was driving recklessly prior to the crash,” Gallegos wrote in an email. “The motorcycle is a 2005 Blue Kawasaki. A witness stated the motorcyclist turned around to flip off another driver and lost control, hitting the median. Mr. Wootton then hit the speed limit sign in the median and he was pronounced deceased on scene.”
Gallegos said it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash and that a toxicology report will reveal more if completed. The motorcyclist was most likely not speeding during the time of the incident. “Based on the damage that was observed on scene, speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash,” Gallegos said.
According to Gallegos, surveillance video of the crash from nearby businesses was unavailable, but a video of the aftermath did surface on Facebook which appeared to show a body lying in the median. At least one person commented that out of respect for the family the video should be removed from the social media site. By Thursday afternoon, the footage was unavailable to some viewers.
