Sikeston man, 66, dies after losing control of his motorcycle Thursday

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident Thursday.

The accident occurred at about 7:05 p.m., according to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

Jerry Helmes, 66, had left his home and was traveling eastbound on the 800 block of Ladue Street when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle.

Sgt. James McMillen, Department of Public Safety public information officer, said Helmes apparently was able to steer back onto the road, where the vehicle tipped over.

"The bike skidded for some distance with him pinned underneath," McMillen said.

Helmes was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Scott County Coroner Scott Amick and was taken to Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.