MADRAS, Ore. (AP) — A Central Oregon man returning from a weekend motorcycle trip through the Columbia Gorge died when he sought refuge from a storm and lightning hit the tree he was leaning against.

KTVZ -TV reports that 50-year-old Bret Hemenway was a longtime alfalfa farmer. A growers organization named him and his wife, Connie, as “Oregon Hay King” winners in 2001. He’s also listed as owning an equipment repair business.