1 person dies in single-motorcycle accident Friday night

GILFORD — A New Hampshire motorcyclist was killed in a single-bike accident on Lake Shore Road Friday night. The crash happened near the Belknap Point Inn, which has been a common spot for accidents, including another single-motorcycle crash where a husband and wife died six years ago.

Police have not publicly identified the victim. Lt. Adam VanSteensburg said the fatal accident involved a man in his 20s operating a “sport bike” style motorcycle, who was wearing a helmet.

Gilford Police and Fire responded to a 911 call from a minor who heard an accident at 7:01 p.m. on Sept. 25. VanSteensburg said the motorcyclist was traveling west on Route 11, and it appears he was not able to negotiate the curve, and went off the road.

“Lifesaving attempts were made, and I know CPR was in progress for a while, but ultimately, the operator was pronounced deceased at the scene,” VanSteensburg said.

VanSteensburg said there did not appear to be any witnesses to the accident, other than the caller who contacted 911.

The Belknap Regional Accident Investigation Team, which is made up of both Gilford and Laconia police, were at the scene following the crash. VanSteensburg said officers would be at the scene for several hours to preserve evidence. Part of the investigation is to determine whether speed or impairment contributed to the crash.

At 8:11 p.m., VanSteensburg said there were no road closures from the accident.

VanSteensburg noted the location has been prone to accidents. George and Mary Worthington, a couple from Long Island, New York, were killed on Aug. 28, 2020, in a single-motorcycle accident near the location of Friday night’s crash. The couple was visiting New Hampshire for Laconia Motorcycle Week, which was held later in that summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been other serious accidents in that area recently, as well. VanSteensburg recalled an accident in May, where a driver couldn’t negotiate a turn, resulting in serious, but non-fatal, injuries. He said that corner, in particular, has been an issue.

“We’ve had a couple serious accidents there from similar situations,” VanSteensburg said.