Jay Rodger Betts

Newton man dies in motorcycle crash

A 49-year-old Newton man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding crossed the center line at Southeast 14th south of Logan and crashed into a one-ton truck at 9:23 p.m. Sunday.

Jay Betts, 49, 327 W. 12th, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, Betty Jo. Schmidt, 48, 1712 E. 10th, was taken to Via Christi Medical Center - St. Francis campus, in critical condition.

Neither Betts nor Schmidt were wearing helmets, Lt. Eric Murphy of the Newton Police Department said.