Steven Kauffeld, 50, of Siloam Springs, who was killed in a motorcycle wreck on July 25, was not at fault in the accident, according to an updated report from the Arkansas State Police.
The initial fatality report issued on the Arkansas State Police website incorrectly showed that Kauffeld made an improper right turn to cross the U.S. Highway 412, causing his motorcycle to strike the passenger side of another vehicle. The Herald-Leader printed a story on July 30 that reflected the statements in this report.
A complete accident report, obtained by the Herald-Leader at the request of one of Kauffeld's family members, shows that the other vehicle involved in the wreck, a 2012 Dodge pickup truck driven by Dillard Trimble, 70, of Siloam Springs, made the improper right turn and traveled into Kauffeld's path.
According to the complete report, both vehicles were headed west on U.S. Highway 412 when Trimble got into the left turning lane to make a left turn onto Fairmount Road South. Meanwhile, Kauffeld's motorcycle was traveling in the right lane of the highway and approaching Fairmount Road North.
The report states that Trimble made a right turn across the highway toward Fairmount Road North and traveled directly into the path of Kauffeld's motorcycle.
Kauffeld was pronounced dead at the scene, the report states. No one else was injured in the accident, the report states. Weather conditions were clear and the road was dry at the time of the accident.
No citations have been issued, but the report will be sent to the Benton County prosecutor's office for further review, it states.
General News on 08/13/2017