Motorcyclist killed in collision with deer
August 3, 2011
A helmet in the road bears witness to the severity of the impact between a deer and motorcyclist.
Updated 7 a.m. August 4: A north-bound motorcyclist collided with a deer just south of Wohali's Wrecking Yard on U.S. 95 at about 4:45 p.m. today, claiming the lives of both the motorcyclist, George Kirk, 64, Moyie Springs, and the deer.

According to the Idaho State Police, the deer was hit by Wayne Wilkerson, 46, Naples, who was driving a 2003 Dodge pickup south. The deer was thrown into the northbound lane, where Kirk, driving a 2005 BMW bike, also hit it.

The driver of a south-bound logging truck saw the accident unfold and immediately called 911 for help, and a north-bound Bonner County advanced EMT came on the scene moments later and immediately began providing treatment, including CPR, to no avail.

Kirk was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traffic on the highway was backed up in both directions for about three hours as emergency personnel responded.

Boundary County Sheriffs deputies, Boundary Volunteer Ambulance and South Boundary Fire personnel responded, and the Idaho State Police arrived to conduct the accident investigation.

This was the second serious motorcycle accident in Boundary County in three days; on Monday, Kinley Nelson, Bonners Ferry, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident.

"It's beautiful riding weather, and there are a lot of bikers coming through," said a deputy at the scene. "Unfortunately, deer like good weather, too."