73-Year-Old Motorbike Enthusiast Found Dead After Ceasing Contact with Family, Say CA Police

A man’s body has been discovered after he went missing while on a motorbike trip out of state, according to California deputies.

William Robert Knight, 73, who was “on a motorcycle trip to Idaho,” was discovered dead in a river south of Alturas, roughly 350 miles northeast of his San Ramon residence, the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office announced in a Facebook news release on June 5.

Deputies said Knight had been contacting family members up to Thursday, May 30. At the time, he informed his family he was in Lakeview, Oregon.

According to deputies, he did not speak with his family on Friday, the day before his intended trip to San Ramon.

“He’s an excellent, experienced rider who usually communicates daily,” a friend posted on Facebook. “He was well equipped with (a) new phone, new tires, etc.”

The sheriff’s office claimed Knight’s family reported him missing on Sunday, June 2, after he did not show up.

Deputies said they began searching an area near Alturas where Knight’s cell phone was last detected on Monday, June 3.

The next day, multiple agencies and Knight’s family conducted additional searches, according to the sheriff’s office.

Before 6 p.m., a driver contacted 911 to report seeing a body, identified as Knight, in the river along Highway 395, officials said.

Later that day, authorities reported Knight’s motorcycle was discovered in the river near where he was found dead.

“Just lost (a) good friend and hiking partner,” a Facebook user said, referring to Knight’s death. “Never met a trail or road he didn’t like.”

“He will be missed by many,” another friend said on Facebook.

According to the sheriff’s office, the California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, and the cause and manner of death are still being investigated.

Source of Information: sacbee