Motorcycle passenger critically injured in crash

5/4/2001

CASTALIA, Ohio - A Sandusky woman was injured critically after being thrown from a motorcycle on which she was a passenger.

The accident occurred shortly before midnight Wednesday on State Rt. 269 in Erie County's Groton Township.

Ruth Strack, 43, and the motorcycle's driver, James McCowan, 48, of Bellevue, were injured when the motorcycle apparently failed to negotiate a curve and went off the roadway, state troopers from the Sandusky post said.

Ms. Strack was admitted to Medical College Hospitals, where she was listed in critical condition. Mr. McGowan was admitted to the same hospital, and he was listed in serious condition.

Troopers said both riders were ejected when the motorcycle went airborne. Neither Ms. Strack nor Mr. McCowan was wearing a helmet.