Names of victims in fatal motorcycle crash released

The names of the victims in Thursday’s fatal accident on US-41 in Ishpeming have been released.

Ishpeming Police say the driver of the motorcycle was Gary Kappler, 64, of Ahmeek. The passenger has been identified as his girlfriend, Diane Palosaari, 52, of Mohawk. Police say neither one of them was wearing a helmet.

The truck driver has also been identified as Raymond Anderson, 19, of Ishpeming. Anderson sought his own treatment at Bell Hospital for minor injuries. He does not currently face any charges.

Police say their preliminary investigation found that Anderson may have turned left from the highway onto Lakeshore Drive into the path of the motorcycle, which had the right of way.

Blood samples from both drivers will be collected and examined to determine if alcohol played a role in the accident. Those results aren’t expected to be available for at least a month.