This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon State Police

A 75-year old Springfield area woman died Saturday evening from injuries suffered when the motorcycle she was a passenger on was struck from behind on Highway 101 about 15 miles north of Florence.  The motorcycle operator was seriously injured.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Ron Martin, on May 17, 2008 at 5:15 p.m a 1995 Honda Goldwing motorcycle operated by Robert Shimp, 63, and his passenger, Nancy Shimp, 75, both from Springfield, were preparing to turn into a wayside off of Hwy 101 when they were struck from behind by a northbound 2002 Ford Taurus.

The Taurus was operated by Mitsuharu Midorikawa, 29, from Portland. Neither he or his passenger, Yuki Widorikawa, 28, were injured.

Robert Shimp was initially transported to Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence with serious injuries and later transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene.

His wife, Nancy, was transported to Pacific Community Hospital in Newport where she later died.

Both riders were wearing helmets.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Florence Worksite are continuing the investigation.  No citations have been issued.

Hwy 101 was partially blocked for approximately 3 hours. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Siuslaw Fire Department.