A Carson City man was killed and a female passenger critically injured in a motorcycle crash on US 50 in Lander County on Sunday morning, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP).
Authorities identified the deceased as 68-year-old James Chapman, who died at the scene shortly after the incident at 8:30 a.m. near mile marker 27, approximately three miles east of Austin. NHP’s preliminary investigation indicates that Chapman was riding a Harley-Davidson westbound when he failed to navigate a right-hand curve.
The motorcycle crossed the centerline, left the roadway, and went off a dirt embankment, ultimately overturning down a steep ravine. A female passenger survived but sustained severe injuries; she was airlifted to a regional hospital and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by NHP’s Major Incident Reconstruction Team (MIRT). Authorities are requesting that anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses pertinent information contact the NHP Elko Office at (775) 753-1111 or via email at ncemirt@dps.state.nv.us.