Schuylkill motorcyclist killed in collision with truck

A Schuylkill County motorcyclist was killed Monday afternoon when his bike collided into a truck.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the crash occurred about 3:10 p.m. along Route 61 (Centre Highway), in West Brunswick Township.

Troopers said John M. Paduhovich, 29, of York, was operating a 2016 Hino truck and was merging from the east shoulder onto Route 61, just north of Cinema Drive, while Gary E. Purcell, 61, of Pottsville, was operating a 2012 Honda Goldwing bike northbound. Paduhovich attempted to make a U-turn and Purcell attempted to swerve around the truck but struck the rear area. The bike became lodged under the truck. Paduhovich stopped on the two lanes of travel, facing west.

Purcell was pronounced dead at the scene by county deputy coroners, Al Barnes and Jarrit Geiger. Purcell was wearing a protective helmet.

Paduhovich was not injured.