Two killed on Hwy 199

A motorcyclist and passenger died after they were hit by a towed utility trailer while stopped on a highway shoulder, according to authorities.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) out of Crescent City was dispatched at about 1:20 p.m. July 19 to a crash on Highway 199 north of Little Jones Creek Road.

The crash involved a 2002 Honda motorcycle and a 2010 Ford F-150 that was towing a utility trailer.

Both vehicles were reportedly traveling southbound on the highway and approaching Little Jones Creek Road, with the motorcycle ahead of the pickup. According to CHP, the motorcyclist pulled off the road onto the right shoulder and stopped.

As the Ford’s driver began to pass the motorcycle, CHP said, the motorcycle tipped over and spilled its rider and passenger into the lane of traffic directly in front of the pickup.

The motorcyclist, a 70-year-old man, and his passenger, a 71-year-old woman, were hit by the trailer and died at the scene. The driver of the Ford, a 52-year-old man, was not arrested.

CHP said drugs and alcohol were not suspected factors.

Highway traffic was disrupted for about two hours.

The investigation is ongoing.