The winding curves of Dale Ridge Road (Highway 96) has claimed another victim after a motorcyclist lost control of his machine last Sunday afternoon. Each year, the scenic drive seemingly claims at least one motorcycle rider, as its dangerous curves are misjudged and overlooked.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 21-year-old Akili H. Robertson of Murfreesboro was killed when his 2012 Suzuki GXR motorcycle began to skid while negotiating a curve about a mile south of Center Hill Dam. The motorcycle left the roadway to the right, went over a steep embankment, and struck a tree. Akili was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb EMS, the DeKalb Fire Department, and Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad responded to the scene. The firefighters and rescue squad members worked Robertson’s body back up the embankment. He reportedly died at the scene.