CHP Press Release:

On Saturday, September 1, 2012, 57 year old David Owens (driver) and his wife, 57 year old Sandra Evelyn Owens (passenger), both from Winchester CA, were riding on their 1999 Honda 1500 Goldwing, pulling their 2003 Champion trailer, westbound on SR-36, just west of Buck Mountain Road at approximately 55-60 mph.  As they approached a sharp left curve in the roadway, David ran over some debris and felt the front wheel shake.  David applied his brakes while in the turn.  The sudden slowing caused the loaded trailer to push the rear of the Honda towards the right causing David to lose control.  The Honda continued to travel, on its left side, in a northwesterly direction off the road and down a steep embankment.  David was fully ejected from the Honda while still on the roadway and shoulder.  Sandra, still on the Honda, rode over the embankment approximately 20 feet where she was fully ejected.  Sandra landed a short distance away.  Medical aid and CPR was performed on Sandra to no avail.  She succumbed to her injuries at the scene a short time later.  David was treated at the scene for minor injuries to his left arm.  Both were wearing helmets and protective riding gear.  Impairment is not a factor in this traffic collision.

 

Emergency responders from the Southern Trinity Area Rescue (S.T.A.R.), Bridgeville, Carlotta, and Fortuna Volunteer firefighters, Calfire, City Ambulance, REACH and the CHP helicopter responded to the scene and assisted CHP Officers with this collision.