Athens motorcyclist killed in collision with truck

By Joe Johnson

A motorcyclist reportedly was killed Saturday night when he was struck by a truck on North Avenue.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, 29-year-old Kody James Kuckuck of Ansley Drive in Athens was driving a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja southbound at about 8:45 p.m. when it collided with a 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck being driven by Richard Clark, 22, of Monticello, as the truck was making a left turn from Northside Drive onto North Avenue.

Police said that Kuckuck died at the scene.

"No charges were made at the time of the report," ACCPD spokesman Lt. Jody Thompson said Monday morning. "The investigation is still pending a review of witness accounts and video from surrounding businesses."

Kody Jams Kuckuck (Instagram)

According to his obituary, Kuckuck was born in Bryan, Ohio and graduated from Bryan High School. He was of the Christian faith and was a Mason. Kuckuck served in the U.S. Army Reserves. At the time of his passing, he was a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams.

He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, music, travel, and motorcycles, and he had a fun sense of humor and loved joking around. He adored his nieces and nephew and his dogs, Kali and Cuda.

Poluce asked for anyone with information regarding the incideny to contact Senior Police Officer Joey Lewis at 762-400-7169 or joey.lewis@accgov.com.

The incident was the 11th traffic fatality in Athens-Clarke County in 2023.