Springfield motorcyclist killed in three-vehicle accident on West James River Freeway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On August 17, 2020, at 05:23 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 1300 block of West James River Freeway regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two other vehicles.

The initial investigation indicated the Harley Davidson, driven by 63-year-old Mark Roemer of Springfield, was traveling westbound in the 1300 block of West James River Freeway when other vehicle traffic slowed in front of Roemer. 

The Harley-Davidson struck a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan that was traveling westbound in the outside lane of James River Freeway. The Harley-Davidson deflected off the Volkswagen and struck a utility trailer that was being pulled by a 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 truck. 

Roemer was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. On August 18, 2020, at 04:05 p.m. Roemer died from injuries related to the crash. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash. There is no evidence of impairment regarding this crash.

This is the twelfth fatality motor vehicle crash and the fourteenth crash-related death of 2020 for Springfield.