***UPDATE 3-18-2017***The names of the deceased in this collision have been released. The motorcycle rider is Nicholas David Wheeler, age 32 of Amarillo. The rear seat passenger in the van is Zabery Islina Pesqueda , 17, also of Amarillo.
DETAILS: On 3-17-17, at 9:00 PM, officers were sent to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Loop 335 (St. Francis) and N. Mountain Drive. Officers determined that a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle was eastbound on Loop 335. A gold 2005 Chrysler van was turning northbound to westbound at the intersection, which is controlled by a stop sign. The motorcycle collided with the left side of the van, resulting in extensive damage. The motorcycle rider, a 32 year old male listing a local address, died in the collision. A 17-year old female passenger in the back seat of the van also died in the collision. The van was driven by a female adult and there were two more juvenile passengers. The driver and two passengers were taken to the hospital by ambulance. The full extent of their injuries is not known at this time. The speed limit on Loop 335 is 55 miles per hour in that area. APD Traffic Investigations will attempt to establish if speed was a factor in the intersection collision. Judge Thomas Jones has ordered autopsies and the incident remains under investigation. Names of the deceased will be released when notification of next-of-kin is confirmed.
