WICHITA FALLS, TX — A quiet Wednesday evening turned tragic when a 64-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on Central Freeway. The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified the victim as Kenny Gene Burleson, a resident of Frederick, Oklahoma, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the 6:31 p.m. accident near the Bacon Switch exit.
According to preliminary investigations by DPS Sergeant Juan Gutierrez, Burleson was traveling northbound on Central Freeway when the fatal incident occurred. Witnesses reported seeing the motorcycle suddenly veer out of control before striking the concrete median. First responders arrived within minutes to find Burleson critically injured at the scene, approximately 200 yards south of the Vitro Architectural Glass facility.
Emergency medical personnel worked frantically to stabilize Burleson before transporting him via ambulance to United Regional Health Care System. Despite their efforts, hospital staff pronounced him dead shortly after arrival. A somber detail emerged during the investigation – authorities confirmed Burleson had not been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of his injuries.
The stretch of Central Freeway where the accident occurred has seen multiple crashes in recent years, though most involve multi-vehicle collisions rather than single-rider incidents. Traffic investigators spent hours documenting the scene, measuring skid marks, and examining the motorcycle’s mechanical condition to determine if equipment failure played any role in the tragedy.
This marks the third fatal motorcycle crash in North Texas this month, renewing concerns about rider safety in the region. Local motorcycle safety advocates are using this tragic event to remind riders about the importance of protective gear and defensive driving techniques, especially when navigating high-speed roadways like Central Freeway.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen Burleson’s motorcycle prior to the accident to contact the Wichita Falls DPS office. Meanwhile, friends and family in Frederick, Oklahoma are mourning the loss of a man described by neighbors as “a kind soul who loved the freedom of the open road.” Funeral arrangements are pending as the community grapples with this sudden loss.
