A 38-year-old Ellinwood man died Monday night after the motorcycle he was driving hit at deer on U.S. 56.
Daniel J. Otipoby was transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital. Shortly after his arrival he was pronounced dead.
U.S. 56 was closed for about an hour between Ellinwood and Great Bend while the Barton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident, Sheriff Brian Bellendir said. It occurred around 9:12 p.m., just east of Great Bend between the Fort Zarah roadside park and the U.S. 56/K-156 junction.
The deer crossed in front of and was struck by the eastbound 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster Otipoby was driving. Otipoby was ejected from the motorcycle, landing in the westbound traffic lane. Both the operator and the motorcycle traveled several hundred feet down the highway after the point of impact.
The BCSO was assisted by Great Bend Fire and EMS, Great Bend Police Department and Ellinwood Police Department.

Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home in McPherson is in charge of funeral arrangements. According to obituary information, Otipoby was a design engineer for Primus Company of Great Bend. His memorial service will be held at the Glidden-Ediger Chapel, 222 Est Euclid St., McPherson, at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Memorials are suggested to Midwest Transplant and they can be sent in care of the funeral home.