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Motorcyclist dies after crashing into culvert in Lincoln County

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A 52-year-old Lincolnton man was killed in a motorcycle crash Tuesday evening in Lincoln County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened around 5:40 p.m. on Shuford Road near Buffalo Shoals Road.

Investigators determined that Randy Carroll Willis Jr. was riding a 1997 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on Shuford Road when he crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the road and struck a culvert.

Willis was ejected from the motorcycle and died at the scene, troopers said.

The Highway Patrol determined that speed and impairment were not contributing factors in the crash. Willis was wearing a helmet, but it was not Department of Transportation-approved, according to investigators.

The crash remains under investigation.

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