SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A motorcyclist from Springfield died in a crash Friday night, Oct. 31, in Springfield.

According to the Springfield Police Department (SPD), the wreck occurred at 9:11 p.m. in the 2500 block of W. Chesterfield.

Cris Gerdes, 38, was riding a 2008 Harley-Davidson westbound when he lost control on a curve. The motorcycle crossed the center median, left the road and struck a tree.

Gerdes died at the scene. Next of kin have been notified, the SPD says.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact the SPD at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 19th motor vehicle crash in 2025, which resulted in 20 deaths, an SPD news rel

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