Jul 17, 2022

Missouri man dies, woman injured after motorcycle crash

Posted Jul 17, 2022 2:30 AM

COLE COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Cole County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Harley Davidson FLTRXS driven by William E. Nichols, 52, Centralia, Mo., was southbound on Route B just north of Osage Bend Road.

The driver failed to navigate a curve at a high rate of speed. The vehicle left the road, struck a ditch and became airborne. The occupants were ejected and the motorcycle struck a fence.

Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Houser-Millard Funeral Home.  An air ambulance transported the passenger Melinda J. Swanson, 51, Centralia, Mo., to University Hospital. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.