Motorcyclist dies near Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines

A crash in Des Moines between a car and a motorcycle Saturday resulted in one fatality — the third traffic-related death of the year, and the second involving a motorcycle. 

Officers and rescue personnel were called at about 12:24 a.m. to respond to the crash near East 13th Street and East Grand Avenue, according to a news release from the Des Moines Police Department.

Spencer Rush, 22, of Des Moines, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, police said in the news release.

He was driving a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and collided with a 2022 Toyota Corolla that was attempting to turn left, police said.

"Excessive speed and failure to yield are being investigated as possible contributing factors," according to the release.

No one else was injured in the crash, which is being investigated by Des Moines police.

Biong M. Biong is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at bbiong@dmreg.com.