A Washington State Patrol evidence custodian from Washougal died in a motorcycle crash Tuesday evening on U.S. Highway 12 in Eastern Washington, according to the state patrol.
John O. Hess Jr., 64, was riding his motorcycle near Milepost 411 near Pomeroy when he left the roadway and crashed into a ditch, according to the state patrol. He was taken to Garfield County Memorial Hospital, where he died.
Hess served over 35 years with the Washington State Patrol and was a trooper with the agency before becoming an evidence custodian.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Laurrie, his daughter, Kayte, and the rest of the family, his friends, immediate coworkers, as we all process the loss of a wonderful father, husband, friend and member of our WSP family,” Chief John R. Batiste said Wednesday. “John was a selfless person and a great employee, loved and respected by all. We hold his memory and his family close to our hearts in this painfully sad time.”
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash. It said Hess was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
