66-year-old Biker Killed in Crash with 18-wheeler

WINTERS – A 66-year-old Bradshaw, TX man on a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle was killed Thursday afternoon north of Winters when he was struck by an 18-wheeler on US-83. 

According to the crash report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, 66-year-old Vernon Russel Barns of Bradshaw, TX was northbound on US-83 about nine miles north of Winters.  Bradshaw is between Tuscola and Winters on US-83. A 2012 Peterbilt towing a trailer driven by 67-year-old Jerry Laverne Connor of Myra, TX was behind him on the highway.  

The report indicates Barns was slowing down attempting to turn left onto FM-1086.  The DPS trooper investigating the fatal crash says the driver of the 18-wheeler was unaware the Harley was slowing to turn and crossed the center line to the left.  The biker was also unaware the truck was behind him and turned into the trailer.  

Barns was transported to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene where he was pronounced deceased.  

Road conditions were clear and dry at the time of the crash Thursday afternoon.