Head-On Crash Kills Motorcycle Rider and Teen Passenger

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team was called to the scene and is continuing to investigate.

(NORTH PLAINS, Ore.) - Two people were killed when the motorcycle they were riding collided head-on with a pick-up truck this afternoon at about 3:30 p.m. The North Plains Police Department was the first agency dispatched to the scene.

Sgt. David Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, says the male driver and female passenger on the motorcycle were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on on NW West Union Road.

"The crash left the passenger, 17-year old Jessica Leigh Elder of Warren, and the driver, 28-year old Leonid “Leo” Brodsky of Hillsboro, dead at the scene," Thompson said.

The crash occurred in front of 29685 NW West Union Road in the City of North Plains. Thompson says the preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Brodsky was traveling west bound on NW West Union.

"He was observed by an Oregon State trooper just moments before the crash. The trooper was coming out of their office located just east of the crash site on West Union."

Thompson continued, "The trooper said the motorcycle was traveling at a very high rate of speed. He got in his car and attempted to catch up to the motorcycle. He came across the crash a short time later."

The motorcycle was on fire when the state trooper rolled up on it, and it appeared that it struck a 2003 Ford F250 pickup truck.

The 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle impacted the truck on the front passenger side causing extensive damage to the truck and destroying the motorcycle.

Thompson says the driver of the pickup, 80-year old Clarence Court Jr. of North Plains, was turning into a farm implement business on the north side of the street when Mr. Brodsky struck his pickup.

"Mr. Brodsky and Ms. Elder were both ejected from the motorcycle before it caught fire. Mr. Court was not injured in the crash. At this time there are no charges expected against Mr. Court."

Jessica Elder attended St. Helens High School where she would have been a senior next year. Her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Elder of Warren, were notified of their daughter’s death by the Washington County Rural Fire District Chaplain. Mr. Brodsky’s next of kin were also notified of his death.

Thompson says the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team was called to the scene and is continuing to investigate the crash.

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SHHS student November 28, 2016 11:36 am (Pacific time)

I was a grade above Jessica but I knew Ryan through sports and had met her a few times, she was always nice, complementing and noticing the little things people but into their outfits and such, she was very special and touched many lives with her kind acts and words. She will not be forgotten

friend of family July 15, 2011 10:41 am (Pacific time)

the man driving was held at fault just a updat to this it took over a year of investigation but leo was not at fault for this

friend of family July 15, 2011 10:40 am (Pacific time)

the man driving was held at fault just a updat to this it took over a year of investigation but leo was not at fault for this

Bob Elder August 10, 2009 9:02 pm (Pacific time)

I AM SORRY. Comment 4:36 PM July 26 2009 WERE YOU THERE! WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEED OF THE BIKE! IT WAS NOT GING 130 MPH BY ANY BODIES ESTIMATE. FAILER TO YEILD RIGHT OF WAY IS NOT LEGAL IN THE STATE OF OREGON. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU HAVE A AXE TO GRIND. JESSICA WAS MY DAUGHTER.

Editor: Bob, I have the ability to take that comment down and will if you ask me to. This is where comments on news stories gets sketchy. Sorry for your loss.

Summer July 29, 2009 2:32 pm (Pacific time)

although I only knew Jessica from dance and i would see her in the halls at school. She could just look at you and make you smile. She was truely amazing. Your in my heart Jess.

July 29, 2009 8:36 am (Pacific time)

Memorial at the Beaverton Four Square Church at noon on Aug 1st.
http://www.beavertonfoursquare.org/

Anonymous July 29, 2009 8:37 am (Pacific time)

Celebration of Life for Leo Saturday at noon at the Beavertion Four Square Chruch

Anonymous July 28, 2009 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

My heart goes out to the family..and to the beautiful fiance and baby girl he left behind..Ashley stay strong!!

Connye July 28, 2009 8:54 am (Pacific time)

Sad tragic accident. Leo has been a friend my son and mine for many years and will be greatly missed. Unless you have stood at the crash site you have no true understanding of what really happened. Celebration of Life for Leo on Saturday, more info to follow.

Anonymous July 27, 2009 3:58 pm (Pacific time)

Leo's service will be on saturday.

Anonymous July 27, 2009 3:57 pm (Pacific time)

People that are over 65 should not have a license, It doesnt mean they are bad people but have lost there judgment in a motor vehicle.

Jeneane July 27, 2009 3:54 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sorry "Benny" you have no f^&%#ng idea what your talking about.He was not an irresponsible driver you idiot. He was a caring beautiful young man never trying to hurt anyone. This is a horrible thing that happened to a beautiful family..Leo was a very good friend of mine that i knew very well..he
had a wonderful heart. my respects go to all the the loved ones dealing with this right now. WE LOVE YOU LEO.

Editor: Keep comments about people who have died respectful everyone. Jeneane, sorry for what you all must be going through.

Labradork July 27, 2009 10:38 am (Pacific time)

Does anyone know when Leo's service will be held? I just found out about this accident yesterday and I am totally distraught. Leo was an amazing person, this was a terrible accident. My heart goes out to his fiancee who lost both Leo and Jessica.

ben July 26, 2009 9:38 pm (Pacific time)

Wow. What a tragic story. She had so much life left to live now it's over.

comment July 26, 2009 4:36 pm (Pacific time)

The bike was going 130mph, no fault of the man making a left turn. A sad event

patrick July 26, 2009 1:09 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sorry but if you fail to yeild making a left turn causing an accident its your fault but because this man was 80 and not 25 he's not a "irresistible" teenager and not at fualt. I'm sorry for both the families this is truly tragic and my feelings go out to all.

N/A July 25, 2009 8:26 pm (Pacific time)

A lot of people speed thinking it's all fun in games when it's not. This is horrible. I was best friends with Jessica in gradeschool and it really hurts to hear that something this awful has happened to her. She will truly be missed by everyone that surrounded her.

Wood July 25, 2009 11:12 am (Pacific time)

Did the pick up make a left turn in front of the motorcycle? If so, there is a contributing cause other than speed. The driver should be charged.

Benny Bedlam July 25, 2009 10:07 am (Pacific time)

Another tragic reminder that teenagers and motorcycles are a deadly combination. Parents: do not let your teenagers ride on the back of a motorcycle unless you are prepared to accept this type of outcome. I feel horrible for the girl's family and friends, but it's clear she was gambling with her life by trusting it to an irresponsible rider. If he wanted to go racing around on his bike and risk this kind of accident, that's his choice. But when entrusted with the safety of someone else's life, he had the responsibility to ride with care and restraint. Tragically, it's a lesson neither of them will ever get the chance to learn.

ANON July 24, 2009 8:17 pm (Pacific time)

DANG! she was a really beautiful person.

rachael tanquary July 24, 2009 8:06 pm (Pacific time)

I wasn't a very close friend of hers but she was an awesome athlete and nice girl. I've never had these kinds of emotions. Its horribly sad and I've been praying for the family. Your beautiful Jess!

Nycky July 24, 2009 2:24 pm (Pacific time)

I just saw Leo on Monday. I have known Leo for many many years, and although I didn't see him often, when I did he always knew how to make me laugh. He will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to both victims.

B July 24, 2009 1:13 pm (Pacific time)

I knew of Jessica. I was a couple grades ahead of her in high school, but she will be dearly missed. She was a beautiful young lady, with a lot of life left to live. My prayers go out to everyone who is dealing with this loss. Everyone remember to live your life today like it's your last, because you never know what's going to happen to tomorrow. God bless all the families, friends, and everyone else dealing with this. This is a terribly thing to go through. Rip Jessica, and Leo.

Kaley July 24, 2009 9:00 am (Pacific time)

This is so sad to hear. Jessica was such a beautiful talented girl! She will be missed dearly. My prayers are with the family of both victims. God Bless!

Bob Dornan July 24, 2009 4:50 am (Pacific time)

This was a very good friend of mine in the North Plains Wreck. They will be missed badly!! I hope they are both up with God, they are in my prayers..

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