Deceased woman, Elizabeth Dunlap, was 52 years old and a resident of Vancouver
VANCOUVER — A 52-year-old Vancouver woman was killed in a motorcycle collision Thursday evening near Orchards.
On Thursday (April 9) at 7:41 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched to the report of a collision on NE Ward Road, just north of the intersection of NE 76th Street in Vancouver. Callers to 9-1-1 reported that two motorcycles had crashed, and that one of the riders was unresponsive. A passerby was reported to be giving one of the motorcyclists CPR. A witness reported to responding deputies that prior to the collision, the two motorcyclists had passed him at a high rate of speed.
Deputies learned that Elizabeth Dunlap and Erik Bash were riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles north on NE Ward Road. Dunlap was ahead of Bash. North of the intersection, NE Ward Road curves slightly to the east and is divided by a concrete median and planter strip containing mature trees. The posted speed limit is 45 mph.
Scene evidence indicates that Dunlap continued straight instead of following the roadway curve. Dunlap’s motorcycle struck the curb on the median of the roadway, causing her to lose control and become ejected from the motorcycle, striking a tree in the median.
Bash struck Dunlap’s motorcycle, which was in the roadway, causing him to lay the motorcycle down. Dunlap was pronounced deceased at the scene. Bash sustained injuries but refused medical aid.
This collision is under investigation by the CCSO Traffic Unit. Preliminary indications are that excessive speed is a contributing factor.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
