September 25, 2006

On Saturday, August 19th, Michael Simmons was involved in a head-on collision with a motorcycle on East Rim Drive near Skell Head overlook. Simmons, 61, of Roseburg, Oregon, struck the motorcycle immediately after turning onto East Rim Drive at the beginning of the “Rim to Roseburg Century Ride.”

Responding rangers and firefighters found Simmons unconscious and suffering from severe head and chest trauma. They were assisted in treating him by a doctor and a nurse who were also on the ride. Simmons was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Medford, Oregon, where he remained unconscious until he died on September 6th.

Investigators determined that Simmons was traveling against traffic in the southbound lane as he turned onto East Rim Drive. A front tire blowout may also have contributed to the accident. No criminal charges will be filed. Simmons was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.