Dyess Air Force Base airman, 19, killed in Abilene motorcycle crash

A 19-year-old airman assigned to Dyess Air Force Base was killed Monday afternoon when an SUV turned into the path of her motorcycle at a west Abilene intersection, police said. The crash occurred about 3:57 p.m. at the intersection of Dub Wright Boulevard and Texas Avenue, according to the Abilene Police Department. Investigators said a Jeep Wrangler traveling south on Dub Wright Boulevard attempted to turn left onto eastbound Texas Avenue and failed to yield to a northbound Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. The vehicles collided in the intersection. The motorcyclist, identified as Jordan Ballard, 19, suffered fatal injuries. Bystanders began rendering first aid before police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived, but Ballard died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A justice of the peace pronounced her dead. Police said Ballard was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors. Authorities said Ballard's next of kin were notified with the assistance of personnel from Dyess Air Force Base. The Abilene Police Department's Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the crash. Authorities have not announced whether any citations or criminal charges are pending.