Authorities in western Iowa are investigating a fatal accident that occurred sometime earlier this week. The Iowa State Patrol says a 1980 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 53-year old Alan Whitecotton, of Stuart, was discovered this morning in the south ditch along Whitepole Road (Highway 6), just east of 345th Trail, in Guthrie County.

The Guthrie County Medical Examiner pronounced Whitecotten dead at the scene. Officials say it’s not clear when the accident occurred, but the man was last seen at around 5 p.m. Monday (Aug. 5th). The accident remains under investigation.

By Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic