Oregon State Police Investigate Fatal Motorcycle Crash Near Belknap Springs

50-year old Ann Poole, who was wearing a protective helmet, was thrown from her motorcycle and came to rest on the highway. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Photo of crash scene near Belknap Springs courtesy: Oregon State Police

(BELKNAP SPRINGS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say a Washington state woman died Monday afternoon when she lost control of her motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail along Highway 126E near the Linn/Lane County line southwest of Santiam Pass.

OSP Recruit Trooper Joshua Wetzel says that around noon today, a 2002 Harley Davidson operated by 50-year old Ann Marie Poole of Ravensdale, Washington was eastbound on Highway 126E near milepost 11 following her husband who was operating a second motorcycle.

Wetzel said, "For an unknown reason while negotiating a slight right curve, the motorcycle crossed the center line and crashed into a guardrail."

Ann Poole, who was wearing a protective helmet, was thrown from her motorcycle and came to rest on the highway. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was briefly closed and then restricted to one lane for about 3 1/2 hours. Oregon's Department of Transportation handled traffic control duties while OSP troopers from Springfield, Bend and Madras investigated the crash.

Wetzel says US Forest Service personnel assisted at the scene.