Two people from Chelan are dead after the motorcyclist crashed while attempting to avoid a cougar late Saturday night.

Just before 10 p.m., motorcyclist James Desmarais, 69, was heading southbound on SR971 at MP12 in Chelan County when troopers said he swerved to avoid a cougar, lost control and crashed into the guardrail.

James Desmarais and the passenger, Anita Desmarais, 66, flew off the bike and died at the scene.

Troopers said both James and Anita Desmarais were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.