BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County man died Saturday after wrecking the motorcycle he was driving following a police pursuit.

David F. Brown, 41, of Buckhannon, died after being thrown from the motorcycle he was driving following the high-speed chase, according to a press release from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department.

The press release says that at about 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, sheriff’s deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Honda motorcycle on U.S. Route 33 because the vehicle was observed traveling at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour.

The vehicle lost control while traveling west on U.S. Route 33, crossing into the eastbound lane, while continuing to flee at speeds exceeding 120 mph. According to the release, officers lost contact with the vehicle as it turned back eastbound on Route 33.

However, officers with assisting agencies – including the Buckhannon detachment of the West Virginia State Police – soon spotted the vehicle but once again lost track of it near the Morton Avenue intersection with Route 33.

The search was eventually terminated, the release states.

Then, a short time later, an assisting officer with the Buckhannon Police Department was flagged down by a citizen, who stated the motorcycle involved was near the River Road, giving off smoke. Upon arrival, officers located the crashed motorcycle and Brown, who was found dead at the scene.

The accident report filed by investigating officer Cpl. Tyler Gordon says that after Brown fled from law enforcement, he headed north onto Childers Run Road near the Mosswood Lane driveway.

Gordon’s report states that he believes the driver of the vehicle subsequently lost control, leaving the roadway to the left side before reportedly striking a small traffic sign pole, used as a driveway marker for York Road. The report also says Gordon believes the motorcycle eventually struck a bush and a creek embankment, which caused Brown to be thrown from the vehicle.

Brown’s body was discovered in a creek bed at the scene, the report states, and the motorcycle traveled another 100 feet approximately. In addition to Upshur County EMS, Deputy Cole Bender with the sheriff’s department and Cpl. V.J. Pyles with the Buckhannon detachment of the West Virginia State Police assisted.

The accident report indicates Brown was believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance, citing possible drug use.