Utah woman dies in biker accident

LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. — A Payson woman died Friday after being ejected from the rear seat of a motorcycle.

Karen Baker, 53, died when the 2008 Harley-Davidson crashed while traveling on state Route 18. The California Highway Patrol was investigating.

Baker and her driver, identified only as C. Baker, 55, were at the rear of a group of six motorcycles when they slowed and stopped for a car in front of them.

The Baker motorcycle failed to slow in time, and the two were thrown off. Karen Baker's helmet was not secured and flew off prior to her striking her head on the pavement, a Highway Patrol spokesman said.

Emergency personnel responded and pronounced her dead at the scene.

— Rodger L. Hardy