Date: September 25, 2009
Location: U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend
Names: Michael William Cleary
In a press release, the Oregon State Police have requested the public’s help in locating the family of Michael William Cleary, a 61-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Bend. The accident occurred around 12:30 AM, September 25, 2009, near milepost 28 on U.S. Highway 20.
Oregon State Police reported that Cleary was eastbound on the highway when he tried to execute a left-hand curve and drove onto the south shoulder of the road, striking a fog marker. Cleary, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.
Bend Fire Department’s medical team responded and, shortly after arriving, canceled a call for an AirLink helicopter.
The crash was still under investigation as of September 28, but according to OSP, speed may have been a contributing factor.
Troopers have not been able to locate any of Cleary’s family members to notify them of his passing, nor have they determined where he lived. It is believed that Cleary may have frequented the Bend area, as well as Elko, Rome, and Incline Village in Nevada.
Anyone with information that might assist in locating Cleary’s relatives is asked to contact the OSP’s Northern Command Dispatch Center at 503-375-3555.
Our hearts go out to Cleary’s family during this difficult time, wherever they may be. Anytime a motorcycle fatality occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk: a motorcycle itself is more difficult to handle than a car, and two-wheeled vehicles are more unstable than those with four wheels. Adding to the danger, some motorists may find motorcyclists harder to see, or just aren’t watchful of them. And a substantial factor in many crashes is inexperience. This is why we welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training, and we are optimistic that this will make the roads safer for all.
Shulman DuBois, LLC, is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.
As of the date we posted this blog, Shulman DuBois LLC does not represent any of the parties. If you are mentioned in this article and believe you may need legal help, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Oregon law firms specializing in personal injury, including us, will provide free and confidential consultations, so do not hesitate to call and ask questions.
