ARTHUR - The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the lives of three people Saturday afternoon on Highway 61, seven miles south of Arthur.

The State Patrol says two motorcycles were traveling together southbound during the Kal-Kan Scooter Memorial Poker Run when one lost control and collided with the other at approximately 12:35 p.m..

Jacob Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, who was operating the first motorcycle, and Stephanie Rodriquez, 45, of North Platte, a passenger on the second motorcycle, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second motorcycle, 52-year-old Michael Laack of North Platte, was transported by medical ambulance to Ogallala Community Hospital where he passed away from his injuries.

Highway 61 was closed, from Lake McConaughy to Arthur, for five hours during the investigation

The Arthur County Sheriff's Office, Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Keith County EMS, Keystone and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Departments, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks and the Nebraska Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.