(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol, Tuesday (May 31), released information about a crash in Cass County that claimed the life of a man from South Dakota. Authorities say a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 78-year-old James W. Spaulding, of Jefferson, SD, was in the right lane of I-80 eastbound, near mile marker 55, at around 2:25-p.m., Friday.

A 2017 Nissan Rogue SUV driven by 67-year-old Gale Eugene Linden, of Kimballton, was also in the right, eastbound lane. As the SUV slowed due to heavy traffic congestion from a lane closure in front of him, Spaulding was unable to slow down in-time. His motorcycle came into contact with the rear of the SUV in the right lane. Spaulding was ejected during the crash and also came into contact with the rear of the SUV.

When law enforcement arrived, they found him on the south shoulder of the interstate. He was sitting upright and talking with officers as they administered first aid. Spaulding was subsequently flown by LifeFlight Audubon to UnityPoint Hospital in Des Moines, where he died from his injuries over the weekend.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa DOT.