Motorcyclist improving after crash

Published 9:39 am Tuesday, August 16, 2011

An Austin man previously listed in critical condition after his motorcycle collided with an oncoming pickup truck has been upgraded to fair condition, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Michael Braaten, 62, collided with the truck on U.S. Highway 16 near Newcastle, Wyo. the weekend of Aug. 6. He was reportedly attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D.

According to the South Dakota State Patrol, Braaten was traveling east on U.S. Highway 16 near mile marker 12 when the crash happened. Braaten reportedly lost control of his Harley Davidson motorcycle, crossed the center line and struck a Ford F150.

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Braaten was taken by ambulance to the Newcastle, Wyo. hospital and later airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital to be treated for “life-threatening injuries,” according to the South Dakota State Patrol. He was not wearing a helmet at the time.

William Stumpff, 38, of Newcastle, Wyo., was the only occupant of the pickup. He was uninjured.