Steele, Mo., man killed in motorcycle accident

Cape Girardeau police are still investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred early Sunday morning at the corner of College and South Ellis streets.

The accident, which claimed the life of Clinton D. Caudle, 50, of Steele, Mo., was reported by a passer-by, who discovered it several hours afterward, police believe. A specific time for the accident has not been determined.

Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton pronounced Caudle dead at the scene at 6:02 a.m. Sunday.

Caudle was driving too fast to negotiate the sharp 90-degree turn at College Street, Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis said.

Caudle was driving a 2003 Harley Davidson eastbound on College Street. Hovis said police were not certain if Caudle wasn't aware of the turn or lost control of the motorcycle, causing it to hit the curb.

Caudle was thrown free of the motorcycle and struck the base of the Route 74 walkway, police said, while the motorcycle hit the steel support structure.

Caudle was wearing a helmet, which was fractured in the collision.

Hovis said police will continue to evaluate the speed the motorcycle was traveling, which may shed light on how the accident occurred.