Missing Portola Man Found Deceased After Motorcycle Crash on Frenchman Lake Road
QUINCY, CA — On November 28, 2025, at 11:24 PM, the Susanville Communications Center (SCC) received a report from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office regarding an overdue individual, 71-year-old William A. Farwell. Mr. Farwell was reportedly traveling on his 2022 Honda motorcycle from Portola to Reno.
The on-duty California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer initiated a check of the presumed route between Portola and the Nevada border but did not locate the individual or his vehicle. Attempts to electronically locate Mr. Farwell’s mobile phone were unsuccessful, and he was officially registered as a missing person.
The following day, November 29, 2025, at 7:38 PM, the SCC received additional information suggesting that the individual may have been located deceased on Frenchman Lake Road. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office personnel and CHP Officer Torres responded to the location and confirmed the identity of the deceased as Mr. Farwell.
Preliminary investigation at the scene indicates that Mr. Farwell failed to successfully negotiate a curve in the roadway, resulting in the motorcycle leaving the pavement and the rider being ejected. Law enforcement officials have stated that there is currently no suspicion of foul play related to the incident. Furthermore, alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. The California Highway Patrol released a statement extending condolences to the family of Mr. Farwell following his loss.
