Alcohol may be factor in two fatal motorcycle wrecks near Eureka

EUREKA, Juab County — Two motorcyclists who had been riding together were killed in separate crashes Monday night near Eureka.

The two victims had been riding west from Eureka with a third rider on U.S. 6 about 11:45 p.m. when a 31-year-old rider lost control on a curve and went onto a grassy shoulder.

The motorcyclist, later identified as Jeremy Jon Goodman of Eureka, was thrown from the bike and skidded several feet before hitting a cedar post and barbed wire fencing.

Goodman was later flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Salt Lake City but eventually died from his injuries.

One of the other riders decided to head back toward Eureka for help but missed a turn and slammed into a rock embankment. The motorcycle vaulted and came to rest on the embankment.

The rider, 49-year-old Darby Sharp of Eureka, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Utah Highway Patrol troopers said neither rider was wearing a helmet.

Officials believe alcohol may be a factor in the accidents.

— Lana Groves