By Erie365NewsWriter 
A tragic motorcycle accident in Chautauqua County has claimed the life of a local man. On Wednesday evening, first responders were called to the area of Routes 62 and 60 in the Town of Kiantone after reports of a serious crash.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 6:22 p.m. when 49-year-old Thad Keefer of Stockton, NY, was riding west on Route 62. Deputies said Keefer was trying to pass other cars on the road when he lost control of his motorcycle. He crossed into the opposite lane, went into a ditch, and then went airborne before crashing.
Keefer suffered severe injuries in the accident. He was rushed to UPMC Chautauqua for treatment but sadly was later pronounced dead.
Emergency crews from the Town of Carroll Police, New York State Police, Kiantone Fire Department, and Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services all responded to the scene to help.
This crash has left the community in shock as they mourn the loss of Keefer. Police are still investigating the exact cause of the accident and are reminding drivers to stay alert and cautious on the road to help prevent tragedies like this one.