Motorcyclist killed in fall off Highway 89

A Carson City man missing since Monday was found dead in Alpine County off Highway 89 west of Monitor Pass on Wednesday afternoon.

Kurt Ernest Muench, 41, was reported missing to the Carson City Sheriff's Department on June 27.

According to the Alpine County Sheriff's Office, family members said Muench may have come to Alpine County to ride his motorcycle.

On Wednesday, Alpine County authorities were also contacted by the family.

California Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Dan Lopez said a CHP helicopter was in the area on another mission and conducted an aerial search.

Muench was located on a steep embankment about 130 feet down from the highway near his 2002 Suzuki motorcycle.

Lopez said it appeared he was eastbound on Highway 89 failed to negotiate a curve west of Heenan Lake and suffered fatal injuries.

The Alpine County Coroner will conduct an investigation into the cause of death. Lopez said the California Highway Patrol will conduct the accident investigation.