A 60-year-old Mossyrock man was killed Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, 2026, in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on northbound Interstate 5 near Woodland, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

WSP identified the rider as Bradley J. Jespersen, 60, of Mossyrock. Troopers said Jespersen was riding a BMW K1200 when he lost control around 1:25 p.m. near Exit 22 on northbound I-5 and went into the center median. WSP reported the crash was fatal.

The crash occurred in north Cowlitz County at one of the main freeway access points for Woodland. Even when no other vehicles are involved, serious wrecks can back traffic up quickly along that stretch of I-5—especially on weekends—affecting commuters, freight traffic, and anyone trying to reach services in Woodland, Longview, and Kelso.

WSP has not released additional details in the information provided to Columbia County Current about what may have led to the loss of control, including roadway conditions, speed, or whether impairment was suspected. In Washington, WSP collision investigations typically determine contributing factors after reviewing the scene, vehicle evidence, and any available witness or camera information.

Any death on a major corridor like I-5 is also a reminder that public safety isn’t only about enforcement—it’s about infrastructure, visibility, and designing roads and access points that reduce the severity of inevitable mistakes. For motorcyclists, that includes a consistent emphasis on rider training, safe speeds, and protective gear, along with drivers in other vehicles watching carefully for smaller road users.

Columbia County Current will publish updates if WSP releases additional investigative findings or if road-closure and traffic information becomes available through public records.

Sources
Washington State Patrol (WSP) — Public information provided to our newsroom (no public link was provided with this tip).