A 56-year-old Weatherford man was killed early yesterday after his motorcycle ran off a rural curve on Farm-to-Market Road 920 in Wise County. Authorities identified the rider as Shaun Allan Waits and say the crash happened about 7 a.m. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety pronounced him dead at the scene, and investigators remained at the site Monday morning.
What authorities say
According to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety, as reported by the Fort Worth Star‑Telegram, troopers determined Waits was riding a Harley‑Davidson southbound on FM 920 at an unsafe speed and failed to negotiate a curve. The release says the motorcycle went off the road and was "laid over" after the rider lost control, and that Waits was not wearing a helmet. The DPS statement notes that the investigation into the single-vehicle crash is ongoing.
Scene and response
Highway Patrol troopers were called to FM 920 near Private Road 3738 and found the motorcycle off the roadway, according to local traffic reports that summarized the DPS notice. Emergency crews pronounced the rider dead at the scene, and Wise County responders assisted at the location, according to DFW Scanner.
Broader safety context
The wreck highlights a persistent danger for riders in Texas. TxDOT's "Look Twice" campaign reports that more than one motorcyclist is killed on Texas roads each day, with nearly 600 riders dying in 2023. State safety officials point to speed, curves, and helmet use as recurring factors in fatal motorcycle crashes and urge drivers and riders to take extra precautions. TxDOT notes that helmet use and slower speeds reduce the risk of fatal injury.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has not released additional details about the crash. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with information to contact DPS as they continue their work.
