One Person Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Benton County

Investigators say there is no evidence that alcohol / drugs were a factor. Both were wearing protective helmets.

Photo of fatal motorcycle crash scene in Benton County, Oregon, 2-12-08 by Oregon State Police

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a Monday evening motorcycle crash on Highway 20 in Benton County that resulted in the death of an Albany-area woman. Her husband was operating the motorcycle at the time of the crash and he received non-life threatening injuries.

OSP Sergeant Craig Flierl says Monday at approximately 6:45 PM, officers from Oregon State Police and the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded to a single vehicle fatal traffic collision on Highway 20 near milepost 5 in Benton County.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 46-year old Daniel B. Moreland of Albany was eastbound when it lost control and crashed. The motorcycle came to an uncontrolled rest on its side in a ditch off the north shoulder of Highway 20.

Moreland was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with non-life threatening injuries.

His wife was riding on the back of the bike; 41-year old Kerin Moreland was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis were she was pronounced deceased.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. There is no evidence that alcohol / drugs were a factor. Both were wearing protective helmets.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Benton County Sheriff's Office and ODOT. The highway was limited to a single lane of travel for approximately 3 hours while the on scene investigation was being conducted.