SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle, tractor-trailer crash early Friday morning west of Solomon as Jesus Martinez, 29, of Salina.
Just before 6:30a.m., a 2022 Volvo tractor pulling a 53-foot trailer and belonging to Great Plains Trucking was westbound on Old Highway 40, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.
The driver, Patrick Heer, 39, of Minneapolis, was attempting to make a left turn onto North Donmyer Road and did not see an eastbound 2003 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Martinez until he was into the turn. Heer told deputies that there was glare in the mirror from the sun.
Martinez was not able to stop in time. The motorcycle struck the rear of the tractor and was destroyed, according to Soldan.
Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. Heer was cited for failure to yield when making a left turn, according to Soldan.