Vancouver woman killed in motorcycle crash on Ward Road

A Vancouver woman died Thursday night in a motorcycle crash on Ward Road, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies and emergency personnel were called to the crash, just north of the intersection at Northeast 76th Street in the Sifton area, about 7:40 p.m. Thursday. Callers to 911 reported two motorcycles had crashed and that one of the riders was unresponsive. A passerby was giving CPR to one of the motorcyclists.

A witness reported to deputies that prior to the collision, the two motorcyclists had passed him at a high rate of speed.

According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, Elizabeth Dunlap, 52, and Erik Bash, no age given, were riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles north on Ward Road. Dunlap was ahead of Bash.

The sheriff’s office said evidence indicates that Dunlap continued straight instead of following the roadway curve of Ward Road north of the intersection. Dunlap’s motorcycle struck the median curb. She lost control of the motorcycle and was ejected, striking a tree in the median.

Bash struck Dunlap’s motorcycle, which was in the roadway, causing him to lay the motorcycle down, according to the statement. Dunlap was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bash suffered injuries but refused medical aid.

This collision is under investigation by the CCSO Traffic Unit.  The sheriff’s office said that excessive speed is a contributing factor.