Motorcyclist dead after encounter with deer on State Highway 295 in Madison County

A 52-year-old Huntsville man is dead after the motorcycle he was driving on State Highway 295 South in rural Madison County struck a deer early Monday afternoon.

The Arkansas Department of Safety released a preliminary accident report by the Arkansas State Police Monday afternoon detailing the fatal encounter.

According to the ASP report, Dexter Clark of Huntsville was n0orthbound on the roadway on a 2000 Honda Shadow when the deer moved in front of the motorcycle. Upon impact, Clark was thrown from the bike in a northeast direction and struck a mailbox before coming to rest on the east shoulder.

Trooper Jacob Graham noted clear weather and a dry roadway at the time of the accident.

Clark's death is the 140th of the year on state roads and highways according to the Arkansas Department of Safety.