Quilcene motorcyclists in deadly wreck identified

PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the man who died and the woman who was injured in a motorcycle wreck Monday afternoon on Center Road.

Gustave “John” Brush, 77, of Quilcene, who had been driving the motorcycle, died on the scene.

Gayle Johnson, 70, also of Quilcene, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after the wreck, said Art Frank, chief criminal deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office ,late Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Johnson was treated and discharged from Harborview on Monday night, the hospital reported Wednesday.

Harborview staff were not able to comment on the extent of her injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office’s investigation of the wreck found that Brush had hit a large bird, which caused him to swerve off the road in the 5000 block of Center Road before the intersection of Eaglemount Road and McMillan Road.

East Jefferson Fire-Rescue firefighters were the first on the scene and attempted to revive the motorcycle driver, but their attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.

His passenger was unconscious when first responders arrived, according to Bill Beezley of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.

She was airlifted from the intersection of Eaglemount and McMillan roads.

The area was closed to traffic in both directions from roughly 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday due to the accident, airlift and the subsequent investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

More in News

Jefferson sets short-term rental rules

County establishes 4 percent cap, one rental per operator

When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
Former deputy’s ashes to be sent into space

Widow of John Strachan to fulfill his dream

Port OKs Citizen Air lease

Company purchasing Rite Bros. Aviation

Rebates offered for e-bikes through April 23

The state Department of Transportation will accept applications for e-bike… Continue reading

Jefferson County Public Health names heroes

Jefferson County Public Health has announced its 2025 Public… Continue reading

Man transported to hospital after log truck goes into ditch

A log truck driver was transported to Forks Community Hospital… Continue reading

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual Port Townsend Farmers Market on Saturday in the uptown neighborhood. Behind are goat wranglers Lindsey Kotzebue and Amber Langley of Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Market opens

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual… Continue reading

Kelly Kidwell, a local business owner and property developer, is purchasing Rite Bros. with the intention of building a long-term sustainable business that will expand aviation access in the area. Citizen Air, based at William R. Fairchild International Airport, will offer charter flights and fractional aircraft ownership. The possibility of scheduled flights could be in the distant future. Kidwell is shown with his Poodle-Bernese mountain dog, Porter. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Citizen Air aims to expand access

New Rite Bros. owner planning for growth

Health officer: Disease numbers low, but cuts affecting programs

Additional measles case located in Washington state

Customers check out at The Pine and Eight, a local goods-only grocery store co-owned by SisterLand Farms and Northwest Beach Work. This store, which recently opened at 511 W. Eighth St. in Port Angeles, is an experiment testing out the viability of a farmer- and artisan-owned store selling Washington-only products. (Eli Smith)
Farmer-focused grocery store opens in Port Angeles

Business prioritizing local products, relationships

Garage destroyed in Lower Elwha structure fire

A weekend structure fire resulted in the total loss… Continue reading

Ground-breaking ceremony for new school set Saturday

The Port Angeles School District will break ground for… Continue reading