WASHINGTON COUNTY, IL — A 33-year-old Benton man was killed Sunday morning in a single-motorcycle accident around 9:36 a.m. in Washington County. According to Washington County Coroner Mark Styninger, Brandon Metcalf was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

He says Metcalf appeared to have been operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Route 127 at Mississippi Road when he struck a guardrail on the east side of the road at highway speed. Metcalf was then thrown from the motorcycle approximately 35 yards from the point of impact. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered massive head injuries. Toxicology samples were taken by Coroner Styninger and will be submitted for routine testing. There will not be an autopsy or inquest.

Washington County Ambulance Service, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Nashville Fire and Police Departments were all on the scene along with the Washington County Coroner’s office.