Humboldt man seriously injured in twin motorcycle wreck

The Iowa State Patrol has completed its investigation of an accident involving two motorcycles that sent a Humboldt man to a Des Moines hospital with suspected serious/incapacitating injuries.
The accident occurred Sunday evening, May 23, at 7:49 p.m. on Iowa Avenue, one mile south of Rutland and one-eighth of a mile south of 205th Street.
According to Iowa State Patrol Trooper Josh Missman, a 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI motorcycle being operated by Jacob A. Benton, 23, of Fort Dodge, was traveling south of Rutland on Iowa Avenue and slowed for the first set of curves. A trailing 2007 Victory motorcycle driven by Austin E. Humphrey, 27, of Humboldt, was following too closely and lost control, striking the rear of the Harley motorcycle Benton was operating. The force of the collision sent both vehicles into the west ditch.
Humphrey was transported by Humboldt Ambulance Service to HCMH with suspected serious/incapacitating injuries. He was later Life Flighted to a Des Moines trauma center for treatment.
Benton and a passenger, 22-year-old Rachel Peterson of Fort Dodge, where transported to HCMH for treatment of suspected minor/non-incapacitating injuries.
Both motorcycles were considered total losses, with an estimate of damage at $5,500 each.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt Police Department, Humboldt EMS and Humboldt Fire Department.