Missing people found dead at crash scene

HAYDEN - After a long and extensive search, emergency personnel located the bodies of two motorcyclists Monday night on Hayden Lake Road near Rhapsody Lane, according to authorities.

Virginia L. Acker, 64, of Pasco, Wash., and Gary E. Otterness, 40, of Onalaska, Wash., were found at the scene of a motorcycle crash, about 100 feet down a steep embankment in the timber, authorities said. Both were deceased at the scene. Kootenai County Sheriff's Department and volunteer search and rescue personnel located the bodies about 7:15 p.m.

On Saturday at 5:30 p.m., Acker and Otterness departed Camp Mivoden on Hayden Lake, riding a single 1985 Honda CB650S motorcycle, according to a previous release. They were at the camp as part of a church retreat. By Monday morning they had not returned and were reported missing.

Kootenai County Sheriff's deputies, volunteer search and rescue members and helicopter support from the Spokane County Sheriff's Department conducted a day-long search.

The exact time of the accident was not reported. Both Acker and Otterness were wearing motorcycle helmets when the crash occurred, authorities said. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department's Traffic Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and conducted the accident investigation and reconstruction. The victims' family members have been notified, authorities said.