Police believe alcohol a factor in fatal single-motorcycle crash

Authorities have identified the man who died in a motorcycle crash Friday as Lynn Cooke, 63, of Runnels.

Evidence showed that it was a single-vehicle crash involving only the operator, according to a Tuesday news release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Cooke was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and alcohol may have been a factor, the release said.

The motorcycle was traveling westbound in the 11200 block of Southeast 32nd Avenue north of Runnells when it crossed into the eastbound lane and then entered the ditch south of the roadway. A passerby noticed a light in the ditch at about 9 p.m. and when they looked closer, discovered Cooke, who was unresponsive. He died on the scene.

Nixson Benítez is a breaking news intern at the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at nbenitez@registermedia.com