Authorities ID Billings man killed in motorcycle crash

Posted: Sep 1, 2010 11:20 AM by Angela Douglas
Updated: Sep 1, 2010 2:38 PM

BILLINGS - UPDATE: A Billings man is dead after crashing his motorcycle early Wednesday morning.

Yellowstone County Coroner Lt. Bill Jones says Michael Harry Schmall, 37, of Billings, died from severe injuries to the head and neck endured during the accident.

The crash happened in the 2700 block of Broadwater Avenue.

When Billings Police arrived on scene around 2 a.m. they found the motorcycle and Schmall near a pile of dirt on the shoulder of the westbound lane.

Schmall was pronounced dead at the scene, he was not wearing a helmet.

Lieutenant Jeremy House says the accident happened in a construction zone and the driver lost control.

Witnesses told authorities that the driver and a possible passenger were traveling at a high rate of speed.

Billings police used thermal imaging optics provided by the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Department to search the area for a possible passenger, but did not find one.

Speed has been ruled a factor in the crash, but alcohol is unknown as authorities begin the investigation.

Broadwater Fatal Accident Map