(CHP press release) On Sunday, August 3, 2014, at approximately 11:15 A.M., California Highway Patrol (CHP) Bishop Communications Center received a report of a motorcycle versus vehicle injury collision on US-395 at Picnic Grounds Road. Two CHP officers and a sergeant from the Mammoth Lakes Resident Post and one officer from the CHP Bridgeport Area office responded to the collision location and initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.
The driver of the motorcycle, Mr. James McGifford, age 59, of Dayton, Nevada, was at the scene being attended to by Mono County Paramedics. Mr. McGifford was unconscious and had major visual injuries. CHP investigators determined that Ms. Shirley Liang, age 24, of Cupertino, CA was driving her silver 2009 Audi on US-395 Southbound attempting to make a left turn onto Picnic Grounds Road. Mr. McGifford was riding his black 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle on US-395 Northbound approaching Picnic Grounds Road.
As Ms. Liang made the left hand turn, she moved her vehicle directly into the path of the motorcycle. Mr. McGifford was unable to stop his motorcycle and collided with the right side of the Audi. Mr. McGifford was transported by Mono County Paramedic Fire/Rescue Medic 2 toward Mammoth Lakes Hospital for treatment of his injuries. While in route to the hospital, Mr. McGifford succumbed to his injuries.
Mr. McGifford was wearing a helmet and motorcycle safety equipment. Ms. Liang had no injuries from the collision. Ms. Liang’s passenger, a Mr. Oliver Caspari, of Stanford, CA, had minor abrasions to his right arm. Personnel from the Lee Vining Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, US Forest Service, Caltrans, Lee Vining Tow, and Mike’s Auto & Tow assisted at the scene. The collision remains under investigation.
As one who rides bicycles and motorcycles, I can well attest to the defensive posture that all who ride have to assume. Unfortunately for Mr. McGifford, he was unable to fend off this one. Very sad indeed. Condolences to the family and especially the posters here who lost a brother… Read more »
For my brother, James Houston McGifford. July 17, 1955 – August 3, 2014 Rest in Peace Tribute To A Fallen Brother By: Bob “Bikerwolf” Bryant There is a certain pride To a biker from the South His soul shines through in his actions Also the words that come from his… Read more »
This was my father that died. I understand people think that the motorcylce itself is dangerous because its obvious choice to blame. My dad has ridden a motorcycle for 39+ years and has always said that its not the motorcycle that is dangerous, it’s all the other idiots out there… Read more »
We were driving to Reno from this area right after this accident happened and saw the lone motorcycle on its side in the middle of the road, with the absent owner’s belongings strewn all around it. It was such a sad thing to witness and just couldn’t help but say… Read more »
When you are on a motorcycle you’re invisible. It’s the first thing you should learn when you get one. Sorry for everyone involved.
Yeeesh, every motorcycle riders nightmare scenario. One of the few situations that can bite even the most careful rider.
Ms. Liang should have to give up her driver lic. Exactly why I don’t ride on the street anymore.
RIP Mr. McGifford