Combat vet, rider is remembered

POST FALLS - Rick Downs was always there to help those in need.

The 65-year-old Post Falls man, a member of the Combat Vet Riders, died as a result of a three-motorcycle crash on Rock Lake Road about 15 miles northwest of St. John, Wash., south of Spokane on Saturday.

"He was always there to help out," said Dana Mailloux, a member of the benevolent motorcycle club. "He always made you feel welcome."

Downs was following a motorcycle driven by Harold Teufert, 64, Newman Lake. Teufert and his passenger, Judy Teufert, 65, also of Newman Lake, were negotiating a turn when they crashed on a gravel shoulder and fell down an embankment, according to the Whitman County Sheriff's Office.

Downs was transported via MedStar helicopter to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he later died of his injuries.

The Tueferts both suffered serious injuries. A third motorcycle driven by Travis Lee, 29, Spokane, who was following Downs, also crashed. Lee suffered a shoulder injury.

The Tueferts and Lee were transported to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane.

The Spokane-based Combat Vet Riders were participating in their final ride of the year. The club planned a memorial ride on Wednesday for Downs' services in Post Falls.