Two motorcyclists killed in separate crashes in Twin Cities area

Two motorcyclists were killed in separate crashes Thursday and Friday in the metro area, according to the State Patrol.

A 20-year-old Elko man was killed after his motorcycle hit an SUV late Thursday on southbound Interstate 35 in New Market Township, Scott County.

Cooper R. Bertram was “negotiating lane splits” at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended the SUV at County Road 29 around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, the State Patrol said. The motorcycle came to rest on the left shoulder while the SUV went into the right ditch.

Bertram, who died at the scene, was wearing a helmet. It was unknown whether alcohol was involved.

The SUV driver, a 43-year-old man from Westminster, Colo., had noncritical injuries, as did his 24-year-old passenger. Both were wearing seatbelts and neither was hospitalized.

Early Friday, a 23-year-old Minneapolis motorcyclist was killed after hitting a guard rail off Interstate 35W in northeast Minneapolis.

Piper L. Forsen was heading south shortly after midnight and was unable to negotiate a curve, the State Patrol said. The motorcycle went off the road at E. Hennepin Avenue before striking the guard rail.

Forsen, who was wearing a helmet, died at HCMC. It was unknown whether alcohol was involved.

Roads were dry in both crashes, the State Patrol said.