The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

September 4, 2008

Authorities ID woman killed in I-80 cycle crash

Interstate 80, motorcycle crash, New Jersey woman, dead

By Courtney Anderson

LACKAWANNOCK TOWNSHIP — The motorcycle crash Wednesday that tied up traffic on Interstate 80 claimed the life of a New Jersey woman, state police said.

Barbara E. Sparks, 47, of Manchester, was not wearing a helmet when the Harley-Davidson went out of control at 4:10 p.m. on I-80 west of state Route 468 in Lackawannock Township, police said.

Ms. Sparks was pronounced dead at the scene by Mercer County Deputy Coroner Cris Loutzenhiser, police said.

The driver, Danny W. Sparks, 53, of Manchester, who was wearing a helmet, suffered major injuries and was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, police said.

A hospital spokeswoman said Thursday there was no record of Sparks being admitted to the hospital.

Police said the eastbound motorcycle was hauling a trailer when Sparks lost control on a slight curve in the right lane.

The Sparkses were thrown when the cycle hit the south side guard rail, police said. The motorcycle traveled an additional 200 feet and the trailer traveled 170 feet and both came to rest in the right lane, police said.

The crash tied up traffic on the interstate for more than an hour and a half, a Mercer County 911 supervisor said.

Police said Sparks will not be charged.

East End Volunteer Fire Department of Mercer assisted, police said.

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