Temple, Texas had to shut down a significant section of State Highway 36 early Saturday morning after a motorcycle that was reportedly traveling a very high rate of speed collided with a pickup truck, and the biker was then thrown over a guard rail just before 2 AM. The highway was shut down immediately upon the arrival of first responders, and remained closed for most of the morning.

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Texas is used to fairly high speed limits across the state, especially when you reach the more rural sections of the Lone Star State. Just after Highway 36 crosses 317 in the northwest corner of Temple, have personally seen many vehicles and motorcycle alike hammer down the accelerator and rev up speeds to well past 80 in only a matter of seconds.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Shuts Down Highway 36 in Temple, TX

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According to this KCEN article, Steven Sheldon, 33 of Killeen, was operating the motorcycle when he rode into the back of a pickup truck, and then was launched several feet over a guard rail. First responders were quick to arrive, but sadly Sheldon was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Rosanne Fisher.

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The highway remained closed for nearly half a day as investigators attempted to understand the cause of the accident, and they were able to determine the motorcycle was travelling well beyond the posted speed limit.

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If you have any information, you can reach out to the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500.

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