Edward Alan Ritter II was killed during the Evergreen State Fair Monday Drag Races held at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, on Monday, 05 September 2016.

The fatal crash happened at about 12h00 o'clock. Ed Ritter and fellow rider James Tieken were racing one another on the 1/8-mile paved dragstrip. Tieken crossed the finish line first and Ritter who was coming in second, lost control of his motorcycle when his rear tire locked up. He headed straight and struck one of several empty school buses parked at the track. The buses were used for other speedway events, including figure eight demolition derby races.

Ed Ritter's drag bike was clocked at a speed of 97 mi/h (156 km/h) when it hit the bus. It is believed that the machine encountered a mechanical failure near the end of the drag course, resulting in its rear wheel becoming locked. A long single tire mark that was observed leading from the end of the course to the point of impact with the bus. After the accident, the rest of the day’s races were canceled.

Ed Ritter, 42-year-old amateur motorcycle racer from Bothell, Washington, died at the scene. He was buried at the Floral Hills Cemetery and Funeral Home in Lynnwood, Snohomish County, Washington.

This was reported to be the first fatality at the Evergreen Speedway since the death of sprint car driver Rory Price, who was killed in practice accident on 31 March 2006.

R.I.P