1 Killed in Motorcycle Accident on I-35 in Clay County, MO

Clay County, MO — March 28, 2025, One person was killed following a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 7:45 P.M. on I-35.

An investigation is underway after a motorcycle accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of March 28th. According to official reports, a 27-year-old man was traveling on a Harley Davidson motorcycle on I-35 in the southbound lanes outside of Kearney and near mile-marker 24.6, when for unknown reasons the motorcycle lost control and left the roadway where it struck a guardrail. The impact caused the rider to be ejected where he reportedly became entangled in some cables.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the rider had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle leaves the roadway and collides with a guardrail, resulting in the rider’s death, it’s easy to conclude that the rider simply lost control. But such assumptions, made without a full investigation, can overlook critical contributing factors. In incidents like this one, where the motorcycle struck a fixed object and the rider was ejected and became entangled in nearby cables, three key questions must guide the investigation: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

Motorcycles are especially sensitive to road conditions, mechanical integrity, and environmental hazards. A proper investigation must begin with an examination of the crash site. Was there debris, gravel, or a sudden change in pavement that could have caused instability? Was there proper lighting, clear signage, and a visible lane edge? These factors matter, particularly in low-light or evening conditions when visibility is reduced. If the motorcycle departed the roadway without clear reason, those questions need to be addressed directly and thoroughly.

It’s also essential to evaluate the motorcycle itself. While less complex than passenger vehicles, motorcycles like the Harley Davidson involved here still rely on critical systems—brakes, throttle, tires, suspension, and steering components—that, if compromised, can result in a catastrophic loss of control. Even a minor defect in any of these systems can have fatal consequences at highway speeds. A mechanical inspection should be conducted with the same rigor applied to any serious vehicle crash, especially considering the possibility of undetected wear, improper maintenance, or a manufacturing defect.

Lastly, modern motorcycles increasingly include electronic systems that can store useful pre-crash data. While not as comprehensive as the systems in passenger vehicles, some Harley Davidson models may capture diagnostic codes or even limited ride data through onboard modules or connected rider apps. If this data exists and can be accessed, it may reveal important information about speed, braking input, or system warnings in the moments before the crash. Preserving this information quickly is crucial, as it can be easily lost or overwritten.

Until these three foundational questions are answered, the cause of this fatal motorcycle crash remains uncertain. A thorough and impartial investigation is necessary to uncover whether external conditions, mechanical failure, or other contributing factors played a role. That process not only honors the individual lost but also helps to prevent similar outcomes for other motorcyclists who share the road.