A Canadian man died Sunday afternoon from injuries related to a motorcycle-involved crash on Highway 37 about two miles north of Pendleton. The man died after being transported to a Pendleton hospital. His name will be released later this evening to allow family additional time for next of kin notifications.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Amy Ford, on June 24, 2012 at approximately 12 noon a group of six motorcycles were traveling together northbound on Highway 37 near milepost 28. For an undetermined reason, the second motorcycle of the group, a 2000 Moto Guzzi operated by a 60-year old British Columbia man, traveled onto the lip of the asphalt edge of the roadway. The operator tried to return onto the pavement, lost control and was ejected from the motorcycle. Both operator and motorcycle came to rest in a wheat field east of the highway.
The operator was transported by Pendleton Fire & Ambulance to St. Anthony Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. He was wearing a protective helmet and full riding gear.
OSP troopers from the Pendleton Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. Senior Trooper Ford is the lead investigator.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Pendleton Fire & Ambulance Service, LifeFlight, Pendleton Police Department, and Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police assisted with initial next of kin notification.
News Release and Photo from: Oregon State Police