The Nevada Highway Patrol has identified two of the victims who died in Saturday's crash involving three motorcycles on Geiger Grade. They are James L. Wood, 68, of Silver Springs and Robert E. Sanders, 60, of Reno. Three others remain hospitalized.
According to NHP Trooper Dave Gibson, officers at around 9 a.m. to the accident scene on State Route 341 at Washoe mile marker 4 approximately 2.5 miles south of the Highway 395 a junction in South Reno.
The crash investigation details learned so far indicate a 2001 orange Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by James L. Wood, along with passenger Linda J Esterling-Wood, 64, also of Silver Springs was riding in tandem with a 2004 Black Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert E. Sanders of Reno along with passenger Lisa M. Cissna, 47, also of Reno.
They were going southbound when Woods’ motorcycle collided with a 2001 Black Honda motorcycle driven by 43 year old Jacob W. Jensen of Sparks ejecting all three riders from the bikes, said Gibson. After the initial collision between Jensen and Woods; Sanders’ motorcycle traveled over Jensens’ motorcycle which was on the ground causing both Sanders and Cissna to be ejected off their motorcycle.
Mr. Wood and Mr. Sanders both died at the scene. Jensen was taken by Care Flight to Renown Medical Center with severe injuries. Mrs. Wood was transported by REMSA to Renown also with severe injuries. Ms. Cissna was also transported by REMSA to Renown but was release later that afternoon.
All lanes of Geiger Grade were blocked at Rim Rock Dr. and Cartwright Rd. for several hours while NHP investigated the accident. Although the accident is still under investigation alcohol does not seem to be a factor.
Trooper Doug Hildebrand of the Nevada Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating this tragic event. Witnesses or anyone with more information are encouraged to reach out to him at (775) 689-4623 or dhildebrand@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-140600563.