A 66-year-old Marysville man died Thursday in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on southbound SR 9 near milepost 45 in Skagit County. (Trooper Kelsey Harding)
By BRIAN HENDERSON · April 17, 2026 · PNW Daily
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — A 66-year-old Marysville man died Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash along State Route 9 in Skagit County, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:36 p.m. near milepost 45 on southbound SR 9, according to the Washington State Patrol. Earlier in the afternoon, the crash fully blocked SR 9 between Sulphur Springs Road and Lake Cavanaugh Road. Officials directed drivers to use West Big Lake Road as a detour.
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Crews reopened the roadway later in the evening.
“Sadly, this is a fatality collision,” Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding said.
First responders pronounced the rider dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no one else was injured.
Authorities said the rider wore a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role. A Mount Vernon towing company removed the totaled motorcycle from the scene.
Speed was Contributing Factor According to WSP
WSP investigators determined the cause as driving too fast for conditions.
According to reporting by Bellingham Metro News, investigators said the rider traveled southbound and failed to safely navigate a curve. The motorcycle left the roadway and came to rest off the west side of the highway.
The crash remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on SR 9 in Skagit County on April 17?
A 66-year-old Marysville man died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on southbound SR 9 near milepost 45 in Skagit County at approximately 3:36 p.m. on April 17, 2026. The Washington State Patrol determined the cause as driving too fast for conditions.
Is SR 9 in Skagit County open after the motorcycle crash?
Yes. SR 9 between Sulphur Springs Road and Lake Cavanaugh Road reopened later Thursday evening after crews cleared the scene.
Were drugs or alcohol involved in the SR 9 motorcycle crash?
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The rider wore a helmet. The Washington State Patrol determined the cause as driving too fast for conditions.
PNW Daily brings you this traffic report is part of the ongoing crash report series sponsored by CrashLaw.NET. If you’ve been seriously injured, give Ziad Youssef and the team a call today at (360) 255-5046.
