Motorcyclist killed on Highway 88

A California man was killed and his passenger seriously injured Sunday night when the motorcycle they were on was struck by a car.

Based on witness statements, police believe the motorcycle's headlamp was inoperable, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Hartline.

The preliminary investigation reveals George Wichert of Shingle Springs, Calif., and Leah Lopez, of Diamond Springs, Calif., were riding on a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Highway 88 when a silver Hyundai Elantra station wagon, driven by Shelly Tymon, 19, of Gardnerville struck them as Tymon was turning left onto Kimmerling Road from southbound Highway 88, south of Gardnerville.

The front of the Hyundai struck the front and left of the motorcycle, ejecting both driver and passenger.

Wichert was pronounced dead at the scene. Lopez, 41, was taken by CareFlight helicopter to Washoe Medical Center, where her condition was listed Monday as fair.

Trooper Chuck Allen of the Nevada Highway Patrol said a dog, also riding on the motorcycle, survived the accident and was taken to an animal hospital.

The accident was approximately four miles south of Highway 395 in Minden.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, Allen said.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.