Cle Elum man blamed for fatal crash near Othello

OTHELLO -- A Cle Elum man caused a four-vehicle crash that killed a Redmond, Wash., man Wednesday afternoon and left the victim's father in critical condition, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Troopers said they were still investigating why 61-year-old John Mosley's Ford Econoline van crossed the centerline and struck two motorcycles.

A third motorcycle was struck by debris from the crash, which was reported about 2:15 p.m. on State Route 17, two miles south of Othello in Adams County.

Mosley, who was not hurt, was driving northbound. The three motorcycles were southbound.

Kenneth C. Owens, 55, died at the scene, troopers said. Robert E. Owens, 76, of Redmond, was flown to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland with hand and internal injuries. He was listed in critical condition Wednesday evening, a nursing supervisor said. Michael Willard, 73, of Freeland, Wash., was not hurt; his motorcycle suffered minor damage from the flying debris.

Mosley was wearing a seat belt, and all three riders had helmets, troopers said.

Intoxicants were not suspected, according to a patrol news release.