Motorcyclist killed in Madison County crash

By Joe Johnson

A motorcyclist was killed in Madison County Friday evening when he lost control of his bike and crashed in Comer, according to Sgt. First Class Tim Meyer, commander of Georgia State Patrol Post 32 in Athens.

According to Meyer, 49-year-old Loyd Kenneth Dalton of Hartwell was driving a motorcycle on State Road 172 at about 7:30 p.m. when the bike left the roadway and crashed while rounding a curve at Vinyard Creek Church Road.

Loyd Kenneth Dalton

“The investigation found that a black Suzuki GXS1300R was traveling west on SR 172,” Myer said. ”The driver failed to maintain his lane after exiting a curve and traveled into the north ditch.

“After entering the ditch, the driver detached from the motorcycle before both motorcycle and driver struck a culvert, according to the trooper. “The motorcycle vaulted over the culvert and came to rest 100 feet west in the ditch. The driver did not survive his injuries.”

Dalton was a self-employed mechanic, according to his obituary.

Survivors, in addition to his parents in Hartwell, include his children and their spouses: Kenneth Dwayne and Cheyenne Dalton of Elberton, Carley Nicole and Randy McLaughlin of Elberton, and Kimberly Hope and Chris Drane of Dewy Rose; adopted son, Seth Brown of Elberton; sister, Linda Marie Dalton of Hartwell; sixteen grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Berry Funeral Home in Elberton to help defray funeral expenses.