Investigation ongoing after Port Ludlow woman dies following motorcycle-car crash near Chimacum

Investigation ongoing after Port Ludlow woman dies following motorcycle-car crash near Chimacum

CHIMACUM — Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate the circumstances of a car-motorcycle collision that killed a Port Ludlow woman.

M. Elizabeth Miller, 77, died at Jefferson County International Airport in Port Townsend on Friday while paramedics prepared her to be airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, said Keppie Keplinger, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokeswoman.

Her left leg had been torn off in a collision with a car driven by Aretta McClure on Center Road near Chimacum a little before 11 a.m.

McClure, 85, of Quilcene was extricated from her Volkswagen station wagon and taken to Jefferson Healthcare hospital, where she was treated and discharged.

Detective Ryan Menday of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Friday the investigation would take several weeks. He did not know if charges would be recommended.

Miller and her husband, Miles Miller, were riding motorcycles on Larson Lake Road when they turned onto Center Road, crossing the northbound lane to head south, according to Keplinger.

McClure was headed north on Center Road in the station wagon.

Miles Miller, who was in the lead, managed to pass the car and avoid injury, but his wife’s motorcycle and the car collided, Keplinger said.

Her motorcycle was pushed into a ditch on the northbound side of the road, where it caught fire and was extinguished by East Jefferson Fire-Rescue firefighters.

McClure’s car came to rest down a hill on the opposite side of the road. She was extricated from her vehicle before she was taken to the hospital.

Center Road was closed from state Highway 19 to Eaglemount Road for several hours while deputies conducted an investigation.

Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue and Quilcene Fire Rescue also responded to the scene.

The body was taken to Kosec Funeral Home, Menday said.

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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.

Last modified: March 07. 2015 6:25PM

Investigation ongoing after Port Ludlow woman dies following motorcycle-car crash near Chimacum