Police investigating fatal motorcycle crash

Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Sunday night. 

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6 p.m. Sunday to a report of a crashed motorcycle and an unconscious rider on Ramsey Road near Brunner Road. 

At the scene of the crash, authorities confirmed that the motorcyclist had died. Police identified the motorcyclist as 45-year-old Athol resident Johnny Pankoke. 

Preliminary findings indicate that no other vehicles were involved, according to the sheriff’s office. 

“Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the KCSO Traffic Unit at 208-446-1300 or via email at kcsotraffic@kcgov.us.