On Saturday, September 2, 2023, at approximately 3:10 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-230, near milepost 6, in Jackson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Thomas B. Austen (70) of Auckland (New Zealand), crossed into the opposing lane of travel and struck a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Richard L. Silverman (66) of Portland, head-on. The operator of the Harley Davidson (Silverman) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Toyota (Thomas Austen) and passenger, Victoria M. Austen (68) of Auckland (New Zealand), both suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The highway was impacted for approximately 7 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Prospect Fire & Rescue, Mercy Flights, and ODOT.
