Motorcycle wreck kills 53-year-old

A 53-year-old Fairfield man, Ricky Ray Thompson, died Saturday night in a motorcycle crash on FM 488 north of town.

The wreck occurred 5.7 miles north of Fairfield at about 11:20 p.m.

Department of Public Safety Trooper Kyle Purnell reports that Thompson was northbound on a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he failed to negotiate a left turn on FM 488 and took abrupt corrective action that caused the motorcycle to flip several times.

The 53-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by Peace Justice Deborah Hamilton, precinct two.

Purnell reports that Thompson was not wearing a helmet.

Thompson was a native of Gilmer and was a supervisor for EFC Valve Company.

He is survived by a son, brother, sister and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Gilmer.