Man Dies in Gold Hill Motorcycle Crash (Photo)

GOLD HILL – A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 58-year-old man in Gold Hill on Saturday night.  No other vehicles or persons were involved in the crash. 

On June 23, 2018, at 9:08 p.m., bystanders called 911 to report a crash involving a single motorcycle.  Callers reported the motorcycle operator was injured and unresponsive. 

The motorcycle operator, later identified as Gary Patrick Hansen, of the 85000-block of Lorane Highway, was pronounced dead at the scene by Rogue River Fire District medics.  Hansen also reportedly had ties to the Jackson County area.

Witnesses told deputies they saw the motorcycle, a red 2017 Harley Davidson FLH, headed north on Second Avenue.  For an unknown reason, the motorcycle veered off the pavement and hit the gravel shoulder.  Deputies say the motorcycle and rider crashed in the gravel and came to rest approximately 50 yards from where they left the roadway.  Hansen was wearing a helmet, but it came off during the crash.

An investigator with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the cause and manner of death.  It is unknown whether intoxicants played a role in the crash.  Per standard procedure following fatal motor vehicle crashes, the medical examiner investigation will include a toxicology analysis.

Case #18-12787