La Plata man fatally crashes motorcycle

A La Plata man died after his motorcycle ran off the road near Waldorf last week.

On Friday, June 14, at approximately 1:03 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Route 301 in the area of Billingsley Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision.

Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team was requested to assume the investigation.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2019 Harley Davidson Road Glide operated by Derrick Wright, 51, of La Plata was traveling southbound on Route 301 north of Billingsley Road, a release from the Maryland State Police said.

For unknown reasons, Wright failed to steer with a slight curve in the roadway and collided with a metal guardrail, the release said.

Wright “sustained injuries not compatible with life,” and was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to the release. Driver error appears to be a factor in the collision.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sgt. J. Zimmerman of the state police at 301-392-1231 or email at justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov.