Ken Nelson parts manager dies in accident

DIXON – A Dixon man who died after losing control of his motorcycle Friday night was identified Sunday as Frank A. Gridley, 52, a parts manager at Ken Nelson Auto Plaza in Dixon.

Lee County sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash at Rock Island Road near Atkinson Road at 8:51 p.m. Lee County Coroner Jesse Partington pronounced Gridley dead at the scene.

Gridley was eastbound on Rock Island Road when, eyewitnesses said, his front wheel was wobbling after coming out of a curve. He went into a ditch and hit the culvert, Varga said, adding that the victim was not wearing a helmet.

The wind likely took his wheel off the ground and Gridley did not regain control, Varga said.