Woman Dies in Motorcycle Crash North of Florence

Highway 101 was partially blocked for approximately 3 hours.

Photo of scene: Oregon State Police

(FLORENCE, Ore.) - A 75-year old Springfield area woman died Saturday evening from injuries suffered when the motorcycle she was a passenger on was struck from behind on Highway 101 about 15 miles north of Florence. The motorcycle operator was seriously injured.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Ron Martin says that around 5:15 PM Saturday, a 1995 Honda Goldwing motorcycle operated by 63-year old Robert Shimp and his passenger, 75-year old Nancy Shimp, both of Springfield, were preparing to turn into a wayside off of Highway 101 when they were struck from behind by a northbound 2002 Ford Taurus.

The Taurus was operated by 29-year old Mitsuharu Midorikawa of Portland. Neither he or his passenger, 28-year old Yuki Midorikawa, age 28, were injured.

Robert Shimp was initially transported to Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence with serious injuries and later transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene.

His wife, Nancy Shimp, was transported to Pacific Community Hospital in Newport where she later died.

Both riders were wearing helmets.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Florence Worksite are continuing the investigation. No citations have been issued.

Highway 101 was partially blocked for approximately 3 hours. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Siuslaw Fire Department.