Deputies Investigate Fatal Crash

Update, 5/19/16: 

The operator of the motorcycle was identified as Dave Eugene Chappell, Sr., 49, of Phoenix. Family members have been notified of his death. The initial investigation shows Chappell pulled out in front of a passenger car headed northbound on Peninger Road. The driver of the car was unable to avoid striking the motorcycle. The occupants of the car were not injured. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review, which is standard procedure in fatal motor vehicle crashes. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this incident.

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Original post, 5/17/16: 

CENTRAL POINT – The Jackson County Sheriff's Office traffic team is investigating a fatal crash involving a passenger car and a small motorcycle.  On May 17, 2016, at 3:25 pm, dispatch received a 911 call reporting the crash. 

The preliminary investigation shows the motorcycle pulled out of a driveway from the Jackson County Expo onto Peninger Road, and directly into the path of a northbound vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle, a 2002 Hyundai Elantra, swerved but was unable to avoid striking the motorcycle.  The motorcycle operator was severely injured.

A Medford police officer was first to arrive on scene.  He performed CPR on the motorcycle operator, who was then transported by ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center.  The man died at RRMC a short time later.  His name will be released after the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office is able to notify next of kin. 

Peninger Road was closed to traffic in both directions while deputies investigated the crash.  It has since reopened.  No citations were issued at the scene.  Deputies will complete the investigation in the coming days.