Motorcyclist's condition good after critical crash

A Vancouver motorcyclist was in good condition this morning, more than a week after a crash near Vancouver Lake sent him to the hospital with critical injuries.

Alec Thomale, 22, had been taken to by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital after the Nov. 23 crash on Northwest Erwin O. Rieger Memorial Highway.

Witnesses at the scene told police that 20-year old Vancouver resident, Miguel Martinez Mariscal, was driving north on the highway when he slowed to turn left into a gravel parking area and was struck in the front left quarter panel by Thomale's motorcycle.

Witnesses and evidence at the scene indicate Thomale was riding a wheelie at a high speed, police said. Thomale apparently was going to pass Martinez on the left.

Thomale was thrown from the motorcycle. His helmet was badly damaged and he suffered what police called multiple system trauma.