Scooter Fatality!

[melodys39]

Saturday, one of my fellow riders was killed in a head-on collision on the Oregon Coast. My heart goes out to his young family and friends.

News Release from: Oregon State Police
UPDATE: NAMES RELEASED - FATAL MOTORCYCLE-INVOLVED TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 101 NEAR HEBO
Posted: July 16th, 2011 8:02 PM

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon's motorcycle-involved fatal traffic crash near Hebo on Highway 101 that resulted in the death of a Salem-area man. The victim's name is being released in this update.

According to Trooper Sarah Reding, on July 16, 2011 at approximately 1:05 p.m. a 2009 Piaggio motorcycle operated by NATHANIEL CORDOVA, age 46, from Salem, was following another motorcycle negotiating a right curve northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 86. CORDOVA's motorcycle crossed into the southbound lane where it collided with a 2005 Dodge pickup pulling a 28-foot travel trailer driven by GEORGE MORE, age 71, from Prescott, Ontario.

CORDOVA was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was wearing a protective helmet.

MORE and his 72-year old wife were not injured.

OSP troopers from the Tillamook work site are continuing the investigation.

OSP is being assisted at the scene by Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Nestucca Fire & Rescue, Tillamook Ambulance, and ODOT. The highway was re-opened at 4:00 p.m.

No photographs available for this release.

[slugrocket rob]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. This is sad news and a reminder to all of us to be very carfull when on our scooters.

[streido]

Sad news bro, sorry to hear. Any more idea on why he was in the wrong lane?

[melodys39]

Sad news bro, sorry to hear. Any more idea on why he was in the wrong lane?

No further news at this time. We may never know.

[streido]

Guess not, just one of those freak accidents maybe.

Just realised I called you Bro  sorry. Should have prob been sis, you would think the female on the scooter avatar may have given me a clue

[roboscoot]

i am very sad to hear this news......regardless of who was at fault....anything you can learn upon follow-up will be usefull and perhaps shared with us

[grantourismo]

i feel sorry for him ...

[Red Horn]

My sincere condolences  .

[StKilda]

Sorry for your loss, it's a reality check for anyone riding bikes or scooters, in a car you can sometimes get away with mistakes, very rarely on a scooter will you, In australia we have stay upright who run courses teaching beginners through to experienced riders skills to keep them upright, they are licensed through our Registration branch in each state, if you have something similar in the states I recommend them to all riders. be safe out there.

[melodys39]

In Oregon we have Team Oregon, which is actually a local branch of the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). It is a way to learn to ride a motorcycle, and get your motorcycle endorsement. Some places in the country have Scooter training classes, but not in Oregon yet. I believe my friend has been through the safety course.

On the day of the ride, it was raining on the Oregon coast. We don't know if that contributed to the cause of the crash, but it might have. It could have been the water on the road, rider error, fixating on an upcoming obstacle, or a combination of any of these. We may never know.

At his memorial service, there were more than 500 people in attendance, and it lasted more than two hours. He was such a beloved member of the community, and literally touched thousands of lives.

Please remember to use all of your safe skills when riding, and treat each day as a precious moment in your life. Remember to tell your loved ones that you love them, as you never know what each day may hold.

Rest in peace, my friend. Nathaniel "Nacho" Cordova