Motorcyclist lone fatality in 3 vehicle Clarke County accident

Virginia State Police are investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash in Clarke County. The crash occurred on Wednesday (Sept 14), at 12:31 a.m., along Route 7 (Harry Byrd Hwy) just west of Route 654 (Kimble Rd).

A 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling west on Route 7 when it rear-ended a 2007 Mack dump truck that slowed to make a U-turn. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle when a westbound 2006 Hyundai Elantra struck him. The Hyundai was unable to avoid the rider.

The motorcycle rider, James E. Poe, 33, of Berryville, Va., died at the crash scene due to his injuries. Poe was wearing a helmet.

The driver of the dump truck, a 58-year-old female of Front Royal, Va., was not injured in the crash. She was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 23-year-old-female from Bunker Hill, WV, was not injured in the crash. She was wearing a seatbelt.

Route 7 westbound was shut down for several hours. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.

The crash remains under investigation. Charges are pending.