Chelan County Sheriff(CCCD) - Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum reports May 30, 2008 at 7:17 PM, RIVERCOM Center received a call from Dwayne D. Putman, 51 year old of Entiat advising his 31 year old son Joshua D. Putman, of East Wenatchee had been involved in a motorcycle collision. His son had abdominal injuries and was bleeding badly.  They were located on USFS Spur Road 311 off of USFS road 5340.  The road system is in Oklahoma Gulch, three miles north of Entiat. The victim was five miles west on Oklahoma Gulch from SR97A.

Volunteers from Chelan County Fire District 8, Entiat Aide, Chelan County Sheriff Deputies, and Ballard Ambulance responded to the scene.  A Medstar helicopter was requested and flew into the area.  Putman was transported by Entiat Aid to an awaiting Ballard Ambulance parked approximately 1 mile from the scene.  Putman went into cardiac arrest and CPR was in progress. Further attempts to revive Putman were performed, but he succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead.

According to Duane Putman, they were riding motorcycles on the USFS Road 311 to the junction of USFS Road 5340.  He was following his son, who accelerated on a straight section of the dirt road and suddenly the motorcycle went down with the rider.

Through the investigation Deputies determined Putman was riding a KTM 450 dual sport motorcycle on spur road 311 staying to the right side closest to the uphill embankment.  As he accelerated there was a lodge pole pine tree that was down on the ground but hanging out over the embankment, concealed by a large bush.   It appeared Putman did not see the pole and as he passed he struck the pole hitting him in the groin area, breaking off a six foot section of the pole and throwing him off the motorcycle.

The cause of death is pending examination by the Chelan County Coroner Wayne Harris.

Any questions contact the on duty Supervisor Corporal John Wisemore  509-630-7517