Abilene Man, 72, Killed in Motorcycle Crash

EASTLAND, TX - A 72-year-old Abilene motorcyclist was killed Thursday after striking a construction barrel on State Highway 6, four miles south of Eastland, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Jeffrey Wirt Newman, riding a 2017 Kawasaki Concours14 motorcycle, was pronounced deceased at the scene at 4:19 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Jon Glen. DPS investigators said Newman was traveling north on SH 6 when he hit the construction barrel on the road shoulder, causing him to be ejected from the motorcycle.

Authorities reported that the weather was clear, road conditions were dry, and Newman was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The posted speed limit in the area is 70 mph.