Fatal crash on I-80, Illinois motorcyclist thrown from his bike

IOWA CITY - An Illinois man was killed in a crash on Interstate 80 Saturday evening.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, around 5:49 p.m., Richard L. Foster Sr., 55, pulled over on the side of I-80 at the 249 mile marker on the outskirts of Iowa City. Authorities said Foster had pulled over due to heavy rain and hail and was parked legally on the south shoulder of the interstate with his hazard lights on.

At that time, George P. Taylor, 70, of La Moille, Ill., was eastbound on I-80 on his motorcycle. Authorities said Taylor saw traffic slowing because of the rain and hail and pulled onto the south shoulder to avoid a collision. Taylor then sideswiped Foster's vehicle and was thrown from the motorcycle.

The state patrol said Taylor was not properly wearing his helmet. He was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he died of his injuries.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com